man getting a dental cleaning during dental exam at San Francisco dentistry

Deep Cleaning for Teeth

At Green Dentistry in San Francisco, we recommend a regular dental exam and cleaning every 6 months to remove tartar and plaque on the surface of the teeth.

As part of your regular cleaning and dental exam, we will take measurements of your gums to test whether you have any gum recession or gum disease.

If we recognize any signs of gum disease, we will typically recommend a dental deep cleaning or other periodontal treatment using a holistic dentistry approach. At our office, we use ultrasonic tools and laser treatment for dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.

Laser teeth cleaning offers a more precise removal of bacteria below the gum line with little to no discomfort.

We’re also excited to now offer a revolutionary new approach to teeth cleanings called Guided Biofilm Therapy. This system can reach areas that are often missed during cleanings, while also providing a more comfortable experience with no scraping or jabbing. Also, your teeth will feel noticeably smoother and look naturally brighter!

Holistic Approach to Dental Deep Cleanings

Dental deep cleanings, also known as scaling or planing treatments, have a scary reputation. Even the name might make you feel a little nervous. However, a deep cleaning is one of the best ways to reverse gum disease, especially when it is detected early during a holistic dental exam. At Green Dentistry, we specialize in a laser dental cleaning technique that helps to eliminate pain.

Regular Teeth Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Regular Cleaning Deep Teeth Cleaning
Fights & Reverses Gum Disease No Yes
Removes Plaque & Tartar Below the Gumline No Yes
Prevents Tissue & Bone Loss No Yes
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Our Treatments

Dental Deep Cleaning Process

Before your procedure, Dr. Patel will take a whole health history to prepare for your deep cleaning. Some patients may need to take antibiotics prior to the procedure, and if that’s the case, we’ll help walk you through how to do that.

The day of your procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area where the scaling and root planing will take place. Usually, deep cleanings are done in four quadrants, and depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, not all quadrants may be done the same day. Only the section being cleaned will be numbed for your comfort.

Once you are numb, we begin to remove plaque and tartar on the surfaces of your teeth, in between them, and deep under your gum line with special tools, including an ultrasonic cleaner and a diode laser. Our advanced technology allows us to offer a more thorough cleaning than traditional tools that are used to scrape tartar away. If necessary, we may apply an antibiotic solution directly to your gums to kill difficult-to-reach bacteria.

After your procedure, we’ll follow up with you to check on your healing progress and monitor the health of your gums. For severe periodontitis, more than one deep cleaning may be needed to fully resolve the condition.

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Guided Biofilm Therapy — Experience a New Type of Dental Cleaning

Dr. Nammy Patel is a certified provider of guided biofilm therapy in San Francisco
Green Dentistry in San Francisco is constantly looking for ways to make your dental care gentler, more precise, and beneficial to your whole-body wellness. That’s why Dr. Nammy Patel is proud to now offer Guided Biofilm Therapy to our patients. Dr. Patel has recently completed advanced certification to bring this breakthrough cleaning technology to our patients.

Guided Biofilm Therapy focuses specifically on removing the sticky layer of harmful bacteria called biofilm, which plays a major role in gum disease and inflammation. Instead of relying heavily on scraping tools, GBT uses a warm, gentle stream of water and an ultra-fine powder to lift away plaque, tartar, stains, and biofilm from the teeth and below the gumline.

For many people, this creates a biofilm teeth cleaning in San Francisco that feels smoother, less invasive, and surprisingly comfortable.

Why Our San Francisco Patients Will Love Guided Biofilm Therapy

  • More Comfort, Less Scraping — GBT reduces pressure and vibration, which makes cleanings more comfortable for patients with sensitivity or dental anxiety.
  • A Deeper Cleaning — Because it targets the biofilm, Guided Biofilm Therapy reaches areas that traditional tools often miss, including around the gums and around dental work.
  • Your Teeth Will Look and Feel Cleaner — Guided Biofilm Therapy gently removes stains and buildup so your teeth will feel smooth and look naturally brighter.
  • Healthier Gums, Healthier Body — By reducing biofilm, Guided Biofilm Therapy helps lower gum inflammation and supports long-term health.

When appropriate, Dr. Patel may also recommend incorporating laser bacterial therapy alongside GBT as part of gum treatment. These two approaches work together to gently reduce harmful bacteria and support your whole-body wellness.

Watch the video below for detailed information about Guided Biofilm Therapy.

Our Innovative Approach to Deep Cleanings

Thorough Exams Catch Gum Disease Early

San Francisco men and women showing off white teeth with the help of San Francisco cosmetic dentist

Dental exams every six months allow us to catch gum disease in the earliest stages. We try to minimize the chances you’ll need a dental deep cleaning at all.

High-Tech Ultrasonic Tools Work Wonders

patient admiring teeth after porcelain veneers were placed by cosmetic dentist in San Francisco

Unlike other dentists who may use manual cleaning tools, our dentists and hygienists use ultrasonic cleaning tools that oxygenate, clean deeper, and are less invasive.

Spa-Like Amenities Eliminate Anxiety

Amenities at Green Dentistry in San Francisco

Aromatherapy, noise-cancelling headphones, and our other amenities help you relax before, during, and after your deep teeth cleaning.

Dental Deep Cleaning FAQ

How long does a deep cleaning take?

Depending on how much plaque and tartar need to be removed, your dental deep cleaning may be completed in as little as a single appointment (lasting about 90 minutes). In some cases, we may recommend 2 appointments about 2-3 weeks apart for best results.

I brush and floss! Why do I need a deep cleaning?

Gum disease and gum recession aren’t always the result of poor brushing habits. Genetics and some illnesses can make your body more susceptible to gum disease. Common causes include hypertension medication and hormonal changes.

Don’t blame yourself!

Will I need antibiotics after my deep cleaning?

By using high-tech ultrasonic cleaning tools and a diode laser, we can minimize bleeding and complications from your deep cleaning. This means that, in many cases, you won’t need antibiotics after your deep cleaning. However, every case is unique, and Dr. Patel will talk to you about whether antibiotics are right for you.

How serious is gum disease?

Many people don’t realize this, but gum disease can lead to serious complications, including serious infections and damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. There’s even research showing that heart disease and diabetes may be linked to untreated gum disease. Infection that enters the body through the gums can easily spread throughout your body.

The good news is that gum disease is easily treated! Early detection and a deep cleaning may be all that are needed to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Read More Frequently Asked Questions

“Dr. Patel was so patient, soothing, empathetic and kind to me. She went way beyond any dentist I’ve ever met in my life in how her and her staff took care of me.”

Kathryn S.

Your Comfort Matters to Us

Our Union Square dentist in San Francisco ensures our office is a place where you can relax and put your health and wellness first, allowing yourself recovery and restoration. We provide a number of spa-like services to our patients in order to relieve discomfort and improve relaxation, such as:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Neck wraps and heated blankets
  • Healing with essential oils and crystals
  • Noise-cancelling headphones

The Green Dentistry Difference

At Green Dentistry, we strive to build life-long relationships with our patients to help them feel secure about their smiles today and for many years to come. We want our patients to feel confident in the work we do together to give them not only beautiful smiles but also functionality and oral health to last a lifetime. We are also proud to give back — to people who are in need and to the environment that surrounds us. We are excited to make you the newest member of our holistic dental care family.

What do your teeth say about your health?

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New Patient? We’ll Plant a Tree In Your Honor

We believe in “green dentistry with a green thumb.” Let’s work together to help improve the environment and fight climate change.

Every year, your tree will:

  • Produce 260 lbs of fresh oxygen
  • Remove 25+ lbs of carbon from the atmosphere
  • Provide shade and habitat for birds, squirrels, and other animals

Help us make a difference!

San Francisco, home of holistic cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Nammy Patel

The best holistic dental care in the San Francisco Bay Area!

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you on your journey to an amazing smile and life-long health!

Request an appointment today!

Call (415) 433-0119

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Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.

San Francisco dentist Dr Nammy Patel's dental affiliations