Periodontal Therapies
Treating Gum Disease in Castle Rock, CO
Expert Periodontal Procedures at Pineview Dental
At Pineview Dental, we take gum health seriously. Our advanced periodontal therapies are designed to stop gum disease in its tracks and help you maintain a strong, confident smile for years to come. Whether you’re just noticing bleeding gums or have already experienced gum recession or discomfort, Dr. James Pacheco and our compassionate team are here to help with personalized, modern solutions.
We proudly serve the Castle Rock and Castle Pines communities, providing access to some of the most advanced gum care technologies available, like ultrasonic scaling and minimally invasive laser therapy. If you’ve been putting off gum treatment due to fear, discomfort, or uncertainty, know that our focus is on comfort, education, and results. Read on to learn more about the procedures we offer, signs to look out for, and why Pineview Dental is trusted by families across Douglas County for gum disease treatment.
How Do I Know If I Need Periodontal Treatment?
Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain in its early stages, so it’s important to know the signs. You may benefit from a periodontal evaluation if you experience:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that appear red, puffy, or are pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Sensitivity along the gumline or when chewing
During your visit, we utilize advanced diagnostics, such as digital X-rays and periodontal probing, to assess the health of your gums and bone. If signs of gingivitis or periodontitis are detected, we’ll walk you through a customized dental treatment plan so you can take action before the condition worsens.
What Is Periodontal Therapy and How Does It Work?
Periodontal therapy refers to a comprehensive group of procedures designed to treat gum disease and restore the health of the supporting structures around your teeth. This includes removing hardened plaque (calculus) below the gumline, healing inflamed tissues, and preventing further progression of infection and bone loss.
At Pineview Dental, we use a combination of techniques tailored to your unique oral health condition, including:
- Scaling and root planing – A deep cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from beneath the gums and smooth root surfaces
- Laser-assisted therapy – A non-surgical approach to disinfect and reduce inflamed gum pockets with less discomfort and downtime
- Medicated treatment – A locally placed antibiotic that the dental hygienist applies directly to infected gum pockets. This medication helps to reduce pocket depth and fight the bacteria in that targeted area to help improve the long-term prognosis of the teeth.
- Periodontal maintenance – Routine follow-up visits every few months to monitor your condition and prevent recurrence
Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with a gentle, thorough process that prioritizes your comfort at every stage
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Involve?
Scaling and root planing is the first line of defense against moderate to advanced gum disease. Unlike a regular cleaning, this deep cleaning procedure targets bacteria and tartar buildup below the gumline.
Here’s what to expect:
- Comfort-first care – We apply a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring a painless experience.
- Scaling – Our ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers gently remove plaque and hardened calculus from periodontal pockets.
- Root planing – The root surfaces are smoothed, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and easier for gums to heal.
- Optional adjunct therapy – We may use antimicrobial rinses or laser therapy to reduce bacteria and inflammation further.
After the procedure, your gums will begin to reattach to the teeth, and symptoms like bleeding and swelling often improve significantly.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, is designed for patients with healthy gums. It removes plaque and surface stains above the gumline and is typically performed every six months.
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more involved procedure that targets deeper areas where bacteria have accumulated below the gums. It’s essential for patients with:
- Pocket depths greater than 4mm
- Bleeding during probing
- Bone loss or early signs of tooth mobility
At Pineview Dental, we’ll recommend the appropriate cleaning based on your current gum condition, with the goal of returning you to a state of health and maintaining it for the long term.
How Long Does Periodontal Treatment Take?
The duration of your treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of therapy required. Most treatment plans follow this general timeline:
- Initial consultation and exam – 60 to 90 minutes, including digital imaging and pocket depth charting
- Scaling and root planing – Typically performed over 1–2 visits, depending on how many areas are affected
- Laser therapy or adjunctive treatments – May be done on the same day or during a follow-up session
- Re-evaluation – 4–6 weeks after therapy to assess healing and determine if further care is needed
- Ongoing maintenance – Periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months
We build a periodontal treatment schedule that fits your lifestyle while prioritizing long-term results and ongoing prevention.
What Is the Recovery Time After Gum Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment performed. For patients receiving laser-assisted periodontal therapy, downtime is typically minimal, with most people returning to normal activities the same or next day.
For more invasive procedures, here’s what you can expect:
- Mild tenderness and swelling for 1–3 days
- Instructions to eat soft foods and avoid brushing near treated areas for a few days
- Full healing within 1–2 weeks, depending on the depth of treatment
We’ll guide you through every step with detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
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What Are the Risks of Untreated Periodontal Disease?
Untreated gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, but its effects go beyond your mouth. Without treatment, you risk:
- Irreversible bone loss
- Chronic bad breath
- Increased risk for systemic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications
- Complications during pregnancy and poor birth outcomes
Early treatment is more than a dental decision—it’s a whole-health investment.
How Much Does Periodontal Therapy Cost?
Every case is unique, and the cost of periodontal therapy depends on factors like:
- How advanced the gum disease is
- The number of teeth or quadrants affected
- Whether adjunctive treatments like laser therapy are needed
At Pineview Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality care. That’s why we accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment arrangements to make treatment more affordable. We encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can provide a personalized estimate.
Why Choose Pineview Dental for Periodontal Care in Castle Rock?
- Comprehensive Expertise: Dr. James Pacheco leads our team with a deep commitment to gum health and overall wellness, backed by advanced clinical training.
- Technology That Matters: We use tools like the GentleWave system, digital X-rays, ultrasonic scalers, and 3D imaging to enhance precision and patient comfort.
- Sedation Options: For those with anxiety or sensitivity, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation to make your visit as stress-free as possible.
- Continuity of Care: Whether you’re here for cleanings, restorations, emergency care, or Invisalign, we support every phase of your oral health journey.
- Local Trust: Patients from Founders Village, Downtown Castle Rock, and Castle Pines consistently leave five-star reviews praising our compassionate team and thorough care.
Reclaim Your Gum Health at Pineview Dental in Castle Rock, CO
If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, or it’s been a while since your last checkup, now is the time to act. Call our dental office or book online to schedule a periodontal evaluation appointment with Dr. James Pacheco. We’re here to help you restore your smile, protect your health, and experience dentistry the way it should be: gentle, modern, and focused on you.
