Get a deep cleaning in Denver to treat gum disease, remove plaque, and prevent bone loss. Schedule your scaling and root planing appointment today!
If it's been a while since your last cleaning or your gums feel tender, swollen, or bleed easily, you might require more than a typical cleaning.
The Dental Team provides deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to address gum disease, alleviate inflammation, and avert bone loss. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss, but with timely treatment, we can help restore your gum health and safeguard your smile. Our gentle non-surgical deep cleaning eliminates harmful bacteria below the gumline, smooths the root surface, and aids in preventing further gum recession and bone damage.
If you're experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum sensitivity, don't delay—schedule a deep cleaning today to maintain your oral health!
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a targeted procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. Unlike standard cleanings that focus on tooth surfaces, this method addresses the roots of your teeth and nearby gum tissue.
The process involves two stages:
This procedure is frequently advised for those with early to moderate gum disease, helping to prevent it from developing into a more critical issue.


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.
We make sure your deep cleaning experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here's what to expect:
This procedure may take place over one or two visits, depending on how advanced the gum disease is. Most patients experience only a little discomfort, making the results absolutely worth it!

Unsure if you require more than a routine cleaning? If you're noticing any of these signs, scaling and root planing might be needed:
No matter how long it's been since your last dental visit, it's always a good time to prioritize your oral health. A deep cleaning can rejuvenate your gums and ward off serious issues.
Following a deep cleaning, your gums might experience mild tenderness and sensitivity for several days, but this will pass. Here are some suggestions for an easy recovery:
The majority of patients observe healthier, pinker gums within weeks, and through regular dental check-ups, they can sustain their long-term oral health.


After a deep cleaning, maintaining gum health requires ongoing effort. Here's how to prevent the recurrence of gum disease:
By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain healthy gums, reduce inflammation, and minimize the need for future deep cleanings.
No, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is distinct from a standard dental cleaning. A routine cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth's surface, whereas a deep cleaning targets below the gumline to eliminate bacteria, tartar, and infection that lead to gum disease. If you experience bleeding gums, gum recession, or bone loss, a deep cleaning might be needed.
You might need a deep cleaning if you're experiencing signs of gum disease such as:
If unsure, your dentist will assess for gum pockets during your exam. If these pockets are deeper than 4mm, a deep cleaning is usually advised to avert further damage.
A deep cleaning generally isn't painful; however, since it involves working below the gumline, your dentist may apply local anesthesia or numbing gel for comfort. Post-procedure, mild soreness or sensitivity in the gums may occur but typically fades within days.
A deep cleaning is often completed over two visits, each focusing on one side of the mouth. Each session generally lasts 45 minutes to an hour based on the severity of gum disease. Patients with mild conditions might finish in one visit.
Post-deep cleaning, sensitive gums mean it's wise to consume soft foods like:
Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy items initially as they could irritate your gums.
Yes! A deep cleaning promotes healing by clearing bacteria and infection so gums can reattach to teeth. With good oral care and follow-up attention in Thornton's clinics, expect reduced inflammation and healthier gums within weeks.