10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 Gum disease often develops quietly, beginning with inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup around and below the gumline. When those deposits extend beneath the gums, a routine cleaning may no longer be enough to thoroughly remove them. Scaling and root planing provides a deeper level of periodontal care aimed at cleaning these areas and supporting healthier gum tissue.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides scaling and root planing in Littleton, CO, for patients showing signs of gum disease. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation and find out whether deep cleaning can help improve the health of your gums.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment used to remove plaque, tartar and bacterial buildup from areas above and below the gumline. The treatment is commonly recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond what can be managed with a routine dental cleaning alone.
The procedure has two main parts:
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the surfaces of the teeth and from beneath the gumline.
- Root planing: The root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed to remove remaining deposits and create a cleaner surface next to the gum tissue.
Why Is Deep Cleaning Needed for Gum Disease?
When plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, it cannot be removed with brushing or flossing at home. Bacteria can remain around the roots of the teeth and contribute to inflammation, deeper periodontal pockets and damage to the tissues that support the teeth.
Scaling and root planing focuses on removing these deposits so the gum tissue has a cleaner environment in which to heal. Treating gum disease early may also help reduce the risk of further periodontal damage.
Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing
Some patients do not notice obvious symptoms in the early stages of gum disease. Others may experience changes such as:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Sensitivity around the gumline
- Changes in the way the teeth feel or fit together
- Deeper spaces between the teeth and gums
If you notice changes in your gums, an examination can help determine whether routine preventive care is sufficient or whether deeper periodontal treatment is needed.
How Scaling and Root Planing Is Performed
During treatment, our dentist or hygiene team uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. Hand instruments, ultrasonic equipment or a combination of both may be used depending on your needs.
The mouth may be treated in sections rather than all at once. Some patients can complete treatment in one appointment, while others may need more than one appointment based on the amount of buildup and the areas being treated.
Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable during deep cleaning, particularly when the gums are sensitive or deeper areas need treatment.
What Happens After Scaling and Root Planing?
Your gums may feel tender or sensitive for a short time after treatment. Our team will explain how to care for your teeth and gums while the tissues recover and what changes to watch for during healing.
Follow-up care is important because gum disease requires ongoing monitoring. Dr. Carreon may recommend more frequent periodontal maintenance appointments depending on how your gums respond and your individual risk factors.
Scaling and Root Planing vs. a Regular Dental Cleaning
A routine dental cleaning focuses primarily on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth and around the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes deeper beneath the gums to clean root surfaces affected by periodontal disease.
The type of cleaning you need depends on the health of your gums, the depth of the spaces around your teeth and the amount of buildup present.
Supporting Gum Health After Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing is most effective when followed by consistent home care and professional monitoring. Daily brushing and flossing help control plaque between appointments, while regular periodontal maintenance helps our team monitor areas that have already shown signs of disease.
If you need help improving your home routine, our team can provide oral hygiene counseling with recommendations based on the condition of your gums and teeth.
In some situations, soft tissue laser therapy may also be used alongside periodontal care to help reduce bacteria in selected areas. Our team will explain whether additional treatment may benefit your gums.
Experience Focused on Long-Term Oral Health
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and believes in listening carefully to patients, explaining treatment clearly and making comfort a priority. When gum disease is present, she takes time to help patients understand what is happening and why periodontal treatment may be needed.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, the goal is not simply to treat inflammation once, but to help you maintain healthier gums through ongoing preventive care, home hygiene and regular monitoring.
Schedule a Periodontal Consultation
If you have bleeding gums, persistent inflammation or other signs of gum disease, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and find out whether scaling and root planing can help improve your gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning treatment used for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing cleans and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth.
How is scaling and root planing different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning focuses mainly on plaque and tartar around the visible surfaces of the teeth and gumline. Scaling and root planing cleans deeper beneath the gums where periodontal buildup has collected around the tooth roots.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Bleeding gums, inflammation, deeper periodontal pockets and tartar below the gumline may indicate that a deeper cleaning is needed. Dr. Carreon will evaluate your gums and explain which type of cleaning fits your condition.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Local anesthetic may be used to keep the treatment area comfortable, especially when deeper areas beneath the gums need to be cleaned. Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur afterward while the gums recover.
Can scaling and root planing help stop gum disease from getting worse?
Scaling and root planing removes plaque, tartar and bacteria that contribute to periodontal inflammation. Combined with good home care and ongoing maintenance, it can help control gum disease and reduce the risk of further damage.
How many appointments does scaling and root planing take?
Some patients may complete treatment in one appointment, while others may need the mouth treated in separate sections over multiple appointments. The schedule depends on the severity and extent of the gum disease.
Will I need more frequent cleanings after scaling and root planing?
You may need periodontal maintenance more frequently than a standard six-month cleaning schedule. Dr. Carreon will recommend a follow-up schedule based on how your gums respond and your ongoing periodontal needs.
Where can I get scaling and root planing in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides scaling and root planing in Littleton for patients with signs of gum disease. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and discuss your gum health.