Periodontal Therapy – Salt Lake City, UT

Periodontal Cleanings

After a patient has been diagnosed and treated for gum disease, their dental cleanings will be a little different compared to what they’ve experienced in the past. A periodontal cleaning shares a lot of similarities with a traditional cleaning, but it largely focuses on removing plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line and on the roots of the teeth. When performed 2-4 times a year, this type of cleaning can stop an infection early and prevent many from ever occurring.

Periodontal Diagnostics

There are hundreds of different types of bacteria present in the mouth. Some of them are helpful and aid in digestion, and others can be the source of gum disease. Determining the exact type of bacteria that is causing a patient’s infection can inform our treatment decisions and allow us to tackle the problem efficiently and effectively to help them achieve complete relief in the shortest time possible.

Scaling & Root Planing

When gum disease is caught during its earliest stages, a patient will likely be recommended to undergo a deep cleaning. This consists of two techniques called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves a member of our team systemically removing the built-up plaque and tartar on the roots of the teeth, and then the roots are gently reshaped and smoothed with root planing. This accelerates the healing process and also enables the gums to quickly reattach to the teeth to provide much needed support and strength.

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Oral Cancer Screening

While we’re examining a patient for gum disease, we will also keep an eye out for any obvious signs of oral cancer. This can include growths in or near the oral cavity, discolored patches of tissue, or sores that haven’t healed after two weeks. If we find something, we can organize for a patient to be diagnosed right away, ensuring that if treatment is necessary, it can be started without delay.

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