Traditional dental cleanings are a vital tool towards preventing and treating gum disease. As periodontal disease progresses, however, cleanings are limited due to the inability to access and remove the bacteria residing deep underneath the gums. Cleaning underneath the gums (deep cleaning) is a procedure that can be very sensitive to a patient and is thus generally performed under local anesthesia. Following deep cleaning, a healing period of 4-8 weeks is allowed before re-evaluating the condition of the gums. After this re-evaluation, a decision can be made as to whether the periodontal condition is stable or if further treatment (surgical) is indicated.