Is dental deep cleaning considered surgery?

Dental deep cleaning is not a surgical procedure, according to WebMD. This is typically a two-part process that involves scaling and root planing. Dentists and periodontists typically use local anesthetic when deep cleaning.

Deep cleaning helps treat gum disease, Colgate explains. During these procedures, dental professionals use hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both to remove plaque from the exposed tooth and below the gum line. During root planing, root surfaces receive the scaling treatment. Depending upon the severity of the problem, two to four visits are often needed. In patients with periodontal disease, dental scaling and root planing occur prior to periodontal surgery.