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Deep Cleaning

Get a deep cleaning in Denver to treat gum disease, remove plaque, and prevent bone loss. Schedule your scaling and root planing appointment today!

Improve Gum Health

Why Choose The Dental Team for your Deep Cleaning?

If it’s been years since your last cleaning or your gums feel sore, swollen, or bleed easily, you may need more than a standard cleaning.

At The Dental Team, we offer deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to treat gum disease, reduce inflammation, and prevent bone loss. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, but with early intervention, we can help restore your gum health and protect your smile. Our gentle, non-surgical deep cleaning removes harmful bacteria below the gumline, smooths the root surface, and helps prevent further gum recession and bone damage.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum sensitivity, don’t wait—schedule a deep cleaning today to protect your oral health!

Deep Cleaning at a Glance

  • Treats Gum Disease – Removes harmful bacteria and infection below the gumline
  • Prevents Bone & Tooth Loss – Reduces inflammation and protects against further damage
  • Cleans After Years Without a Dental Visit – Restores oral health even if it’s been a while
  • Smooths Root Surfaces – Helps gums reattach and heal properly
  • Non-Surgical & Effective – A comfortable, thorough treatment to restore gum health

The First Step to Healthier Gums

What is Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)?

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline. Unlike a regular cleaning, which focuses on the surface of the teeth, a deep cleaning targets the roots of your teeth and the surrounding gum tissue.

The procedure is performed in two steps:

  1. Scaling – We remove hardened plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gumline, eliminating harmful bacteria that cause inflammation.
  2. Root Planing – We smooth the root surface of the teeth to help the gums reattach and heal properly, reducing the risk of further infection.

This treatment is often recommended for patients with early to moderate gum disease to prevent it from progressing into a more severe condition.

Smiling woman with long, flowing hair.

The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. It starts with mild symptoms but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Stages of Gum Disease:

Gingivitis – The earliest stage, marked by bleeding gums, bad breath, and mild inflammation. At this stage, gum disease is reversible with a deep cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Periodontitis – More advanced, causing gum recession, persistent bad breath, and pockets forming between teeth and gums. A deep cleaning is crucial to remove bacteria and prevent further bone loss.

Advanced Periodontitis – The most severe stage, where the bone supporting the teeth starts breaking down, leading to loose teeth or tooth loss. Without treatment, surgical procedures may be needed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, a deep cleaning is the first step in stopping its progression and restoring your oral health.

Scaling, Root Planing, and Healing

What is the deep cleaning procedure like?

We ensure your deep cleaning is comfortable and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Numbing the Area – To ensure your comfort, we may use a local anesthetic or numbing gel before starting the procedure.
  2. Scaling Below the Gumline – Using specialized tools, we remove tartar and plaque buildup from beneath the gumline and between the teeth and gums.
  3. Smoothing the Root Surface – We gently smooth the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching and help the gums heal properly.
  4. Antibacterial Rinse or Medication – In some cases, we may apply an antimicrobial treatment to further reduce bacteria and promote healing.

The procedure may be completed in one or two visits, depending on the severity of gum disease. Most patients feel minimal discomfort, and the results are well worth it!

Dental illustration of tooth decay treatment process.

IS YOUR HEALTH AT RISK?

What conditions does a deep cleaning address?

Not sure if you need more than a standard cleaning? If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, scaling and root planing may be necessary:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
  • Tooth sensitivity near the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening spaces between teeth

Even if you haven’t been to the dentist in several years, it’s never too late to take care of your oral health. A deep cleaning can help restore your gums and prevent serious complications.

Caring for Your Gums

Deep Cleaning Recovery & Aftercare

After a deep cleaning, your gums may feel slightly tender and sensitive for a few days, but this is temporary. Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:

  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation
  • Floss daily to keep bacteria from building up again
  • Use a prescription mouthwash or a warm salt water rinse to promote healing
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for a few days
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed for mild discomfort

Most patients notice healthier, pinker gums within a few weeks, and with regular dental visits, they can maintain long-term oral health.

Smiling woman with long, wavy hair.

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

How to Prevent Gum Disease After a Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning is just the first step—keeping your gums healthy requires ongoing care. Here’s how to prevent gum disease from returning:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria
  • Stay consistent with dental checkups—your dentist will usually recommend maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months
  • Avoid smoking or tobacco use, as it increases the risk of gum disease

By following these steps, you can keep your gums healthy, prevent inflammation, and avoid future deep cleanings.

Deep Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

No, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is different from a standard dental cleaning. A standard cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, while a deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove bacteria, tartar, and infection that contribute to gum disease. If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, or bone loss, a deep cleaning may be necessary.

You may need a deep cleaning if you have symptoms of gum disease, such as:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
  • Tooth sensitivity near the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening gaps between teeth

If you’re unsure, your dentist will check for gum pockets during your exam. If gum pockets are measured deeper than 4mm, a deep cleaning is typically recommended to prevent further gum and bone damage.

A deep cleaning is generally not painful, but because it involves cleaning below the gumline, your dentist may use local anesthesia or a numbing gel to keep you comfortable. After the procedure, you may experience mild gum soreness or sensitivity, which usually subsides within a few days.

A deep cleaning is typically done in two visits, with each session focusing on one half of the mouth. Each appointment usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of gum disease. Some patients with mild gum issues may complete the procedure in a single visit.

After a deep cleaning, your gums may be sensitive, so it’s best to eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, cooked vegetables, and soft proteins etc.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first few days, as they may irritate your gums.

Yes! A deep cleaning helps your gums heal by removing bacteria and infection, allowing them to reattach to the teeth. With proper oral hygiene and follow-up care, you should see less gum inflammation, reduced bleeding, and healthier gums within a few weeks.