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Deep Cleaning

Treat gum disease and protect your oral health with a deep cleaning in Loveland. Our scaling and root planing service removes plaque, fights infection, and helps prevent bone loss. Book your appointment today!

Protect and Strengthen Your Oral Health

Deep Dental Cleanings at The Dental Team in Loveland, CO

If it’s been a long time since your last cleaning or your gums are tender, swollen, or bleed easily, you may need more than a standard cleaning.

At The Dental Team, we offer deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to treat gum disease, reduce inflammation, and help prevent bone loss. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, but early intervention can restore gum health and protect your smile. Our gentle, non-surgical approach removes bacteria from beneath the gumline, smooths tooth roots, and helps stop further gum recession and bone damage.

If you notice bleeding gums, ongoing bad breath, or gum sensitivity, don’t wait. Schedule your deep cleaning today to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Deep Cleaning at a Glance

  • Fights Gum Disease – Removes bacteria and infection hiding below the gumline
  • Protects Against Tooth and Bone Loss – Reduces inflammation to help stop further damage
  • Restores Oral Health After Long Gaps in Care – Helps get your mouth back on track, even after years without a cleaning Smooths Tooth Roots – Supports healing and encourages gums to reattach properly
  • Comfortable, Non-Surgical Care – An effective treatment designed to restore gum health without surgery

Restore Your Gum Health

What is scaling and root planing?

Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline. While a routine cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, this procedure targets the tooth roots and surrounding gum tissue for deeper care.

The process includes two steps:

Scaling – Removes hardened plaque and tartar from below the gumline, clearing away bacteria that cause gum inflammation.

Root Planing – Smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach and heal properly, reducing the risk of future infection.

Deep cleaning is often recommended for patients with early to moderate gum disease to stop progression and protect long-term oral health.

Smiling woman with long, flowing hair.

The Silent Threat to Your Smile

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It often begins with mild signs but can lead to serious dental and overall health problems if not treated promptly.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis – The earliest stage, often causing bleeding gums, bad breath, and mild swelling. At this point, gum disease can usually be reversed with a professional deep cleaning and better at-home care.

Periodontitis – A more advanced stage where gums may recede, bad breath becomes constant, and pockets form between the teeth and gums. Deep cleaning is essential here to clear out bacteria and help stop bone loss.

Advanced Periodontitis – The most severe stage, where the bone holding the teeth in place starts to deteriorate. Teeth may become loose, and tooth loss is possible. In many cases, surgical treatment may be required.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, starting with a deep cleaning is one of the most important steps to slow or stop the progression and protect your smile.

Expertise and Compassion

What is the deep cleaning procedure like?

We work to make your deep cleaning appointment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what typically happens during the process:

Numbing for Comfort – Before starting, we may apply a numbing gel or use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.

Cleaning Beneath the Gumline – Using specialized instruments, we remove plaque and tartar buildup from under the gums and in the spaces between your teeth and gums.

Root Smoothing – We gently smooth the tooth roots to discourage bacteria from reattaching and to promote healthy gum reattachment.

Antibacterial Support – In some cases, we’ll use an antimicrobial rinse or medication to further reduce bacteria and help the healing process.

Depending on the severity of gum disease, this treatment may be completed in one or two visits. Most patients report minimal discomfort, and the long-term benefits for your oral health are well worth it.

Dental illustration of tooth decay treatment process.

Protect Your Smile for Life

What oral health issues can a deep cleaning address?

Not sure if you need more than a standard cleaning? If you’ve noticed any of the following, you may benefit from scaling and root planing:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Gums that appear red, swollen, or feel tender
  • Persistent bad breath or a lingering unpleasant taste
  • Receding gums that make teeth look longer
  • Sensitivity along the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening gaps between teeth

It’s never too late to focus on your oral health. A deep cleaning can help restore gum health, improve comfort, and prevent more serious dental problems down the road.

A Strong, Beautiful Smile

Deep Cleaning Recovery & Aftercare

After a deep cleaning, it’s common for your gums to feel slightly tender or sensitive for a few days. This is temporary and part of the healing process. To help your recovery go smoothly:

  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation
  • Floss daily to keep bacteria from building up again
  • Rinse with warm salt water or use a prescribed mouthwash to promote healing
  • Stick to softer foods for a short time and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication if you experience mild discomfort

Most patients notice their gums looking healthier and pinker within a few weeks. By keeping up with regular dental visits, you can maintain these improvements and protect your oral health for the long term.

Patient smiling during dental examination with gloves.

The Key to a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Preventing Gum Disease Following a Deep Cleaning

Keeping your gums healthy after a deep cleaning takes consistent care. To help prevent gum disease from progressing:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth.
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria.
  • Stay on top of dental checkups. Your dentist may recommend maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months.
  • Avoid smoking or using tobacco, as these increase the risk of gum problems.

Following these steps can help keep your gums healthy, reduce inflammation, and lower the chances of needing another deep cleaning in the future.

Deep Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

No. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is different from a standard dental cleaning. A routine cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth. A deep cleaning goes beneath the gumline to clear away bacteria, tartar, and infection that contribute to gum disease. If you have symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or bone loss, your dentist may recommend this treatment.

You may need a deep cleaning if you’re experiencing:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Constant bad breath
  • Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
  • Sensitivity along the gumline
  • Loose teeth or gaps widening between teeth

During your exam, your dentist will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Pockets deeper than 4mm often require a deep cleaning to prevent further damage.

Most patients find the procedure comfortable. Because it involves cleaning below the gumline, your dentist may use local anesthesia or numbing gel. Some mild tenderness or sensitivity afterward is normal and usually subsides within a few days.

A deep cleaning is often split into two appointments, each one treating one side of your mouth. Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how advanced the gum disease is. Milder cases may be completed in a single visit.

Since your gums may be sensitive, stick to soft foods for a short period, such as:

  • Soups, yogurt, or mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs or smoothies
  • Cooked vegetables and tender meats

Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods right after treatment to prevent irritation.

Yes. By removing bacteria and infection, deep cleaning gives your gums the opportunity to reattach to your teeth and heal. With proper oral hygiene and regular follow-up care, you should notice reduced inflammation and healthier gums within a few weeks.