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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!

Enhance Your Gum Health

Why Choose The Dental Team for Deep Cleaning?

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 at a Glance

  • Tackles Gum Disease – Eliminates harmful bacteria and infection beneath the gumline
  • Prevents Bone & Tooth Loss – Minimizes inflammation and guards against further damage
  • Cleans After Years Without a Dental Visit – Revitalizes oral health even after long intervals
  • Smooths Root Surfaces – Facilitates proper healing and reattachment of gums
  • Non-Surgical & Effective – Provides a comfortable, comprehensive treatment for gum restoration

The First Step to Healthier Gums

Understanding Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

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:

  1. Scaling – We eliminate hardened plaque and tartar deposits from beneath the gumline, removing harmful bacteria that lead to inflammation.
  2. Root Planing – We smooth out the root surfaces, aiding gums in reattaching and healing effectively, which lowers the chance of future infections.

This procedure is frequently advised for those with early to moderate gum disease, helping to prevent it from developing into a more critical issue.

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.

Compassionate Care and Expertise

What is the deep cleaning procedure like?

We make sure your deep cleaning experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here's what to expect:

  1. Numbing the Area – For your comfort, we might use a local anesthetic or numbing gel before we begin.
  2. Scaling Below the Gumline – With specialized tools, we eliminate tartar and plaque from under the gumline and between your teeth and gums.
  3. Smoothing the Root Surface – We carefully smooth out the root surfaces, preventing bacteria from reattaching and aiding proper gum healing.
  4. Antibacterial Rinse or Medication – Sometimes, an antimicrobial treatment is applied to further reduce bacteria and support healing.

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!

Dental illustration of tooth decay treatment process.

Safeguard Your Health

What oral health issues can a deep cleaning address?

Unsure if you require more than a routine cleaning? If you're noticing any of these signs, scaling and root planing might be needed:

  • Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
  • Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
  • Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums (teeth look longer)
  • Sensitivity at the gumline
  • Loose teeth or gaps growing between teeth

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.

A Strong, Healthy Smile

Deep Cleaning Recovery & Aftercare

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:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently and prevent irritation
  • Floss every day to prevent bacteria from accumulating again
  • Consider using a prescription mouthwash or warm salt water rinse to aid healing
  • Avoid consuming hard, crunchy, or spicy foods temporarily
  • If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers for minor discomfort

The majority of patients observe healthier, pinker gums within weeks, and through regular dental check-ups, they can sustain their long-term oral health.

Patient smiling during dental examination with gloves.

A Healthier Future

Preventing Gum Disease Following a Deep Cleaning

After a deep cleaning, maintaining gum health requires ongoing effort. Here's how to prevent the recurrence of gum disease:

  • Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss every day to clear plaque from between teeth
  • Utilize an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria
  • Regularly attend dental checkups—your dentist may advise maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months
  • Avoid smoking or tobacco products, as they heighten the risk of gum disease

By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain healthy gums, reduce inflammation, and minimize the need for future deep cleanings.

Deep Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

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:

  • Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Receding gums making teeth appear longer
  • Sensitivity near the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening gaps between them

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:

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

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.