Scaling & Root Planing

Protect Your Oral & Overall Health

Treat Gum Disease With Scaling & Root Planing in Durango

Scaling and root planing in Durango can make daily life feel better fast by removing the source of gum infection. Brushing and flossing stop hurting. Your mouth feels cleaner. Your breath stays fresher throughout the day. By removing tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, we eliminate the cause of gum inflammation.

Healthier gums mean fewer worries about losing teeth or needing more involved care later. Your teeth will also feel smoother and cleaner. That fresh feeling makes it easier and more rewarding to keep up good habits at home. It also means lower inflammation throughout your body. That's good news for your heart, your blood sugar, and your overall well-being.

a man wearing glasses
a man wearing glasses

Give Your Gums a Deeper Clean

A deep cleaning reaches buildup below the gumline to support healthier gums.

While a regular cleaning focuses on the teeth above and just below the gumline, scaling and root planing go deeper. The treatments remove tartar from the tooth roots and clear out pockets that harbor infection.

Without this advanced care, the pockets tend to grow deeper and can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Signs you may need a deep cleaning include bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. You may also have gums that look puffy or have pulled away from your teeth.

During your exam, we measure the space between your gums and teeth. Digital X-rays also show whether the bone around your teeth has been affected. Deeper pockets mean bacteria have moved below the gumline, which is where this treatment works best.

a man sleeping on a bed
a man sleeping on a bed

Learn How to Maintain Healthier Gums

If you need gum disease treatment, we start by numbing the area to keep you comfortable.

Your dentist uses special equipment to remove tartar from your teeth and roots. Then the roots are smoothed so gums can reattach.

Laser therapy may be added to help reduce bacteria in deep pockets.

We'll check your pocket depths at a follow-up visit to see how well you're healing.

Regular maintenance visits also help prevent bacteria from returning. These cleanings are usually scheduled every few months to protect your results.

Worried about your gum health? Find out if scaling and root planing in Durango is right for you. Let us help your gums heal and stay healthy!

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Always friendly and professional. All the staff display a high level of competence and they invest in the latest technology.

Ron T.

Staff are always friendly, competent and personable. A great experience for all things dental. I would highly recommend Dr. Lacey and his office.

Frank R.

So glad I made the switch to SJS! The team is great, friendly and welcoming. I love the accomadation off early morning appointments. My hygenists is efficient and thourough!! I am usually great with names-so sorry...

Great team, clean facility and definately A+ care!!!

JD C.

Gratitude to all who work here and help the process feel smooth and inviting! Great receptionist, hygienist, and Dr. Very thankful to have found a great dentist practice in Durango!

Dylan M.

Dr. Lacey and staff are terrific. Had the best teeth cleaning in a long time on my last visit and the recent one as well.

John P.

Friendly and thorough!

Kristi M.

Phenomenal experience! Dr. Lacey and his staff are very competent. Extremely comfortable environment with staff always checking up on you. Overall a great experience. I highly recommend this dental practice. State of the art equipment with Dr. Lacey’s expertise is a great combination. I am...
Phenomenal experience! Dr. Lacey and his staff are very competent. Extremely comfortable environment with staff always checking up on you. Overall a great experience. I highly recommend this dental practice. State of the art equipment with Dr. Lacey’s expertise is a great combination. I am thrilled about my new teeth and have received many compliments!

Ulivi A.

Did a great job with my cleaning - got rid of some yucky stains ! Staff and Dr Lacey and Dr sewell are all so friendly, kind and gentle …

Milly L.

Kiffany is fantastic and thorough! Dr. Lacey is so kind and gentle.

Amy R.

Everyone was so friendly - from the receptionists to the dental hygienists to the dentist. GREAT quality professional care provided!

Michelle B.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling & Root Planing

Does scaling and root planing hurt? 

Scaling and root planing usually doesn't hurt during treatment because the area is numbed. Afterward, your gums may feel sore or sensitive for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and gentle brushing can help.

How long does scaling and root planing take? 

It often takes one to two hours per visit for scaling and root planing. Many people need two visits to treat both sides of the mouth. Your dentist will let you know what to expect based on your gum health.

What should I avoid after scaling and root planing? 

After scaling and root planing, avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for a day or two. Skip tobacco, since it slows healing. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and follow any instructions from your dentist.

How do I know if I need scaling and root planing? 

You may need scaling and root planing if your gum pockets measure four millimeters or deeper. Bleeding gums, tartar below the gumline, and bone loss on X-rays are other signs. Your dentist or hygienist will measure your pockets and explain what they find.

How much does scaling and root planing cost? 

The cost of scaling and root planing depends on how many sections of your mouth need treatment. It's usually priced per quadrant. Laser therapy or antibacterial treatments may add to the total. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the procedure's cost.