Specialty Care · Pueblo West, CO
Periodontal therapy
& gum disease treatment.
Comprehensive treatment for gum disease — from deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to ongoing periodontal maintenance that keeps your gums healthy long-term.
- Stages treated
- Mild to moderate
- Treatment type
- Non-surgical
- Initial treatment
- 2 visits
- Maintenance
- Every 3 – 4 months
What It Is
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis — red, swollen, bleeding gums — and progresses into periodontitis, where bacteria destroy the bone and ligament that hold teeth in place.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and most people don't know they have it because the early stages are usually painless. Bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth are all warning signs.
Blaskovich Family Dental treats periodontal disease with a combination of deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), targeted antibiotic therapy when needed, and consistent periodontal maintenance to keep bacterial colonies from rebuilding.
The Process
How gum disease is treated.
- 01
Comprehensive periodontal exam
45 minEach tooth is measured for pocket depth (the space between gum and tooth), bleeding, recession, and mobility. X-rays show bone levels. The findings are mapped so we can track changes over time.
- 02
Diagnosis and treatment plan
Same visitYour dentist or hygienist explains what stage of gum disease (if any) you have and recommends treatment based on the severity. Mild gingivitis may need only a thorough cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis needs deeper intervention.
- 03
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
60–90 min, 1–2 visitsUnder local anesthetic, the hygienist removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from below the gum line, then smooths the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. This is the core treatment for periodontitis.
- 04
Targeted antibiotic therapy (when indicated)
5–10 minFor deeper pockets or stubborn inflammation, locally-placed antibiotic therapy or antimicrobial irrigation can be used to address bacteria that scaling alone may not reach.
- 05
Periodontal maintenance
Every 3–4 monthsOnce gum disease is under control, you transition from regular cleanings to more frequent periodontal maintenance visits — typically every 3 to 4 months. This keeps bacterial colonies from rebuilding and prevents progression.
Patient Trust
5 stars across 580+ Google reviews.
Blaskovich Family Dental is a small, doctor-owned practice — not a corporate chain — and our patients have made us the most-reviewed dental office in Pueblo West.
FAQ
Periodontal Therapy — questions answered.
-
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include: gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that are red or swollen, persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from teeth (recession), loose or shifting teeth, sensitivity at the gum line, or pus around any tooth. Many people have early gum disease without obvious symptoms — which is why routine 6-month exams are important.
-
How much does periodontal treatment cost in Pueblo West?
Scaling and root planing typically costs $200–$300 per quadrant of your mouth — most patients have all four quadrants done over 1–2 visits, totaling $800–$1,200. Most PPO insurance plans cover periodontal treatment at 50–80%. Periodontal maintenance visits run $130–$200 each.
-
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis (the early stage) is fully reversible with good cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis (the advanced stage) is not — once bone is lost around teeth, it doesn't grow back on its own. However, periodontitis can be stopped from progressing further with treatment and ongoing maintenance, and the lost ground can sometimes be regained with regenerative procedures.
-
Will I need gum surgery?
Most cases respond well to non-surgical treatment (deep cleaning + maintenance, sometimes with antibiotics). Traditional gum surgery is reserved for advanced cases that don't respond to non-surgical treatment, or specific scenarios like severe recession or significant bone loss. If your case requires surgical intervention, Dr. Mark refers to a periodontist.
-
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so it shouldn't hurt during. Mild soreness, gum tenderness, and tooth sensitivity for 1–3 days afterward is common and is managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients are surprised at how routine the procedure is.
-
Why do I need cleanings every 3–4 months instead of every 6?
Once you've had periodontitis, the bacterial environment in your mouth has been altered, and bacteria recolonize gum pockets within about 12 weeks. Cleanings every 3 to 4 months keep them in check; cleanings every 6 months allow disease to progress again. This is called periodontal maintenance, and it's the difference between keeping your teeth and losing them long-term.
-
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Untreated gum disease has been associated in research with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, poor diabetic control, certain pregnancy complications, and rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic bacterial inflammation in your gums affects your whole body. Treating gum disease is an investment in more than just your teeth.
Ready to talk it through?
Call us, request online, or stop by the office at 332 Orchard Springs Dr, Suite 110, Pueblo West. Most consultations are quick, and many can happen the same week you call.
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