Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) in Salt Lake City
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is a nonsurgical treatment for periodontal disease. It is different from a routine cleaning because treatment extends below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar from areas that cannot be adequately cleaned with normal brushing, flossing, or routine professional cleaning.
We recommend periodontal treatment based on what we find during examination, including gum health, periodontal measurements, bleeding, inflammation, tartar, and bone levels around the teeth.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums, the bone, and other tissues that support the teeth. As it progresses, deeper periodontal pockets can develop and bone support can be lost.
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Deeper periodontal pockets
- Changes in tooth position or stability
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
A routine dental cleaning is preventive care for a generally healthy mouth. Scaling and root planing is treatment for periodontal disease and involves cleaning below the gumline and along root surfaces where periodontal pockets and tartar are present. The difference is not simply that one cleaning is "more thorough"; they are used for different clinical situations.
What Happens During Treatment?
Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from teeth and root surfaces below the gumline. Local anesthetic may be used for comfort. Depending on the extent of disease, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided between appointments.
If you are using dental insurance, your plan may place limitations on how much scaling and root planing it will cover at one time or how treatment must be divided between visits. These benefit limitations do not determine what treatment is clinically appropriate, but they may affect how covered treatment is scheduled. Our team can help you understand your benefits and discuss your options before treatment.
What Happens Afterward?
Scaling and root planing is only one part of managing periodontal disease. We evaluate how the gums respond and recommend ongoing maintenance based on periodontal health. Patients with a history of periodontal disease often benefit from periodontal maintenance visits at intervals more frequent than routine preventive cleanings.
The recommended interval is based on your individual periodontal condition and risk factors, although dental insurance plans may have their own limitations on how frequently they provide benefits for periodontal maintenance.
Why Can't I Just Have a Regular Cleaning?
If periodontal disease and deeper pockets are present, a routine cleaning does not adequately address plaque and tartar below the gumline. Scaling and root planing is intended to treat those areas.
Is a Deep Cleaning the Same as Periodontal Maintenance?
No. Scaling and root planing is active treatment for periodontal disease. Periodontal maintenance is ongoing care after the initial scaling and root planing treatment to help maintain periodontal health and monitor the condition.
