Scaling & Root Planing – Salt Lake City, UT

Protecting Your Smile from Gum Disease

Blonde woman leaning back in dental chair and smiling

Even though gum disease is preventable, almost half of all adults in the United States have it. You need to have it treated promptly if you don’t want your oral health to suffer. If you contact our periodontal office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Wood, he may find that your smile could benefit from scaling and root planing, collectively known as deep cleaning. With this form of periodontal therapy, it’s possible to stop gum disease from growing more severe.

Why Choose Utah Implants & Periodontics for Scaling & Root Planing?

  • Knowledgeable Board-Certified Periodontist
  • Friendly Team That Offers High-Quality Service
  • Fully Personalized Treatment Experiences

Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Man pulling down lip showing gum disease

Some cases of gum disease are more severe than others. Our team will typically suggest scaling and root planing once your gum disease has become sufficiently advanced. There are a few indicators that can potentially suggest that scaling and root planing may be necessary:

  • Your gums tend to bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth.
  • Your gum tissue has started to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth.
  • You have chronic bad breath.
  • Some of your teeth have started to shift out of position.
  • You have begun to experience difficulty when it comes to chewing a variety of foods.

Do any of the symptoms listed above sound applicable to your situation? If so, it’s best to set up a visit with Dr. Wood as quickly as you can. After confirming whether you have gum disease, he can help you figure out whether a scaling and root planing treatment is necessary.

What Can I Expect with Scaling & Root Planing? 

Illustration of scaling and root planing in Salt Lake City, UT

The scaling portion of the procedure comes first. It is somewhat similar to a regular dental cleaning in that it involves removing harmful plaque and tartar with specialized instruments. The main difference is that there is a particular focus on cleaning the area beneath your gumline.

The second step is root planing. This is where we take the roots of the teeth that are usually covered by your gum tissue and gently smooth them out. Smoother roots will make it easier for your gums to attach to the teeth again. On top of that, a smooth surface can lower the risk of future bacteria accumulation.

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Woman with glasses working on laptop and smiling

After scaling and root planing, there might be some tenderness and discomfort in your mouth for a few days. Tooth sensitivity is also common, and there may also be some bleeding. You can take care of your mouth while it’s healing by:

  • Using ibuprofen or another kind of over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Rinsing daily with antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Sticking to your oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. (Be extra gentle around the areas where the treatment was performed.)
  • Using toothpaste that is intended for sensitive teeth.