Deep Cleaning Second Opinion

Told you need a deep cleaning? Get an independent, licensed dentist's second opinion before you pay — online.

A deep cleaning — known clinically as scaling and root planing — is one of the most commonly recommended dental treatments, and it typically costs $300–$1,800 out of pocket depending on your insurance. It's recommended based on specific clinical evidence: the bone level around your teeth, your gum-pocket measurements, the amount and location of tartar (calculus) buildup, and how much inflammation is present in your gums. To do a deep cleaning, the gums are to be numbed so that every tooth can be scaled thoroughly below the gumline. And usually it gets done over 2-4 sessions depending on how much tartar and how tenacious (how difficult they may take to be cleaned off). Therefore, it's a bigger commitment (both financially and time wise) than a regular cleaning — so it's worth knowing it's truly warranted. 

If a deep cleaning is in fact warranted and yet not done, typically the tartar builds up even more and gums become even more inflamed. And long term, there is bone loss that starts taking place around the teeth, leading to loose teeth and potentially their extraction down the road. This also places stress on the body as a whole in that certain types of bacteria concentrate/accumulate more than before in the mouth which is the entrance to the body as an organism. And that creates other issues systemically for a lot of people. 

If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, a dentist licensed in your state at Soothing Dental can also independently review your x-rays, your gum measurements, your symptoms, and photos of your gums — and tell you whether the evidence actually supports a deep cleaning, or whether an alternative cleaning protocol may be indicated.

This is a fully online, asynchronous review. You submit everything from your dental visit, answer a short questionnaire, and a licensed dentist sends you a written second opinion within 24–48 business hours. 

NOTE- This is a Non-Refundable process, irrespective of the recommendation/second opinion given based on the evidence provided.

What you send:

1. Your dental x-rays (essential): Recent clear bitewings or, ideally full-mouth x-rays that show the bone position relative to your teeth and any tartar buildup. You can request a digital copy from your dentist which you're entitled to, or simply take a clear, high-resolution phone photo of them on the monitor screen. This is the essential item: the x-rays reveal the bone level and tartar that largely determine, with high confidence, whether a deep cleaning is warranted.

2. Your gum measurements (periodontal charting): The gum pocket-depth readings your dentist or hygienist recorded while in the office. Some deep cleanings are justified by deep gum pockets alone rather than bone loss around the teeth; so these readings matter. The gum measurements are called periodontal charting/perio charting.Most offices have them on file as they're usually needed to be submitted to insurance as part of the claim if there is insurance billing for services provided.

3. A short symptom questionnaire: Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss, are they tender or swollen, do any teeth feel loose, do you have persistent bad breath or taste, when was your last cleaning, do you smoke, are you diabetic, and what your dentist recommended and quoted.

4. Phone photos of your gums. A few guided shots (upper and lower, front, and both sides) so the dentist can see visible tartar, gum redness, swelling, or recession.

What you get

Within 24–48 business hours, a written second-opinion report from a licensed dentist that gives you one clear answer:

✅ “A deep cleaning may be more than you need.” Your x-rays show little to no bone loss, and/or there is no evidence of tartar buildup radiographically, which points to treatment of the gums with with a non-deep cleaning-  That could be regular cleaning called prophy, or something in between regular and deep cleaning which is called scaling with gingival inflammation.  Improved home care, and more frequent cleanings professional should help with those. There are some products that can also be used at home to improve the healing of the gums after the professional cleaning is done in the office. We'll tell you what we’d had recommended for your case. 

✅ “A deep cleaning is reasonable.” Your x-rays show bone loss consistent with periodontitis, and/or tartar buildup under the gumline and around the roots of your teeth. That would mean that a deep cleaning is an appropriate, evidence-based treatment. We'll explain why and what to expect.

🔍 “You need an in-person exam to be sure.” Your case is borderline and depends on gum-pocket measurements that can only be taken in person. We'll tell you precisely what to ask for so you're not agreeing blind.

Every report also includes a plain-English explanation of what your x-rays show — so you understand the reasoning, not just the verdict.

Price: $49 · Turnaround: 24–48 business hours · 100% online. 

This is an independent, educational second opinion provided by a licensed dentist — not a diagnosis of record, and not a substitute for an in-person exam. If your case requires hands-on evaluation, we'll tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a deep cleaning?

That's exactly what this service answers. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is appropriate when there's bone loss from periodontitis and/or tartar built up below the gumline. A licensed dentist reviews your x-rays, gum measurements, symptoms, and photos, and tells you whether the evidence supports a deep cleaning or whether a more conservative cleaning may be enough.

What do I need to submit?

Recent dental x-rays (bitewings or full-mouth — a clear phone photo of them is fine), your gum-pocket measurements (periodontal charting) if you have them, a short symptom questionnaire, and a few phone photos of your gums. The x-rays are essential.

How fast will I get my second opinion?

Within 24–48 business hours of submitting complete information (at least the x-rays plus your answers).

Is this a diagnosis?

No — it's an independent educational second opinion to help you decide before you commit to treatment. It is not a diagnosis of record and doesn't replace an in-person exam. If an in-person evaluation is needed, we'll say so and explain why.

Do I need to leave home or book an appointment?

No. It's fully online and asynchronous — submit your information any time, and a licensed dentist reviews it and replies in writing.

How much does a deep cleaning normally cost?

Typically $300–$1,800 out of pocket depending on your insurance and how many areas of the mouth are treated — which is exactly why an independent second opinion before you commit can be worth it.