Scaling and Root Planing in Farmington, UT

If you've begun to notice signs of periodontal disease, a regular cleaning may not be adequate enough to fully address the issue. The initial stages of periodontal disease, called gingivitis and periodontitis, can often be treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. This noninvasive procedure is performed by board-certified dentist Dr. Brian Call to eliminate built-up plaque and tartar from underneath the gumline and help restore your gum health. Utilizing advanced instruments, a scaling and root planing treatment at Oakridge Dental serves to clean out the gum pockets and smooth the surface of the enamel to prevent additional accumulation. If you think you may have periodontal disease, it's important that you receive an evaluation immediately at our Farmington, UT office. Early detection and diagnosis are key to preserving your oral health from the long-term damage that can follow this progressive condition.

During your dental exam, Dr. Call will assess the health of your oral structures and measure the depth of your gum pockets. If these pockets, also called sulcus, exceed 3 millimeters in-depth, a scaling and root planing treatment (or series of treatments) may be recommended. SRP can help decrease the size of your gum pockets to slow down the accumulation of bacteria and plaque in these areas. Some of the initial signs of gingivitis include tender, swollen, and bleeding gums that appear red in color. When periodontal disease is diagnosed early, one or a few SRP treatments may be enough to improve your health. However, if your condition has reached the final stage (advanced periodontitis) and you're experiencing significant gum recession and even loose teeth, you may require more invasive treatments.

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure that is performed at our Farmington, UT office. For your treatment, we may administer local anesthesia to the necessary areas of your mouth to ensure your comfort. We may also recommend other sedation methods if you have certain dental fears or anxieties, and Dr. Call does everything he can to make sure that your experience is as easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. Once you're ready, Dr. Call will use a fine scaling tool to remove the plaque and tartar from below the gumline. He will then plane, or smooth, the surface of the enamel to reduce the crevices where bacteria and buildup can accumulate.

After your SRP treatment, you may have sensitive teeth and gums. In addition, you may notice some tingling from the local anesthetic. Dr. Call can prescribe antibiotics that will help eliminate any remaining bacteria from the gums. You should adhere to a good oral care regimen that includes proper flossing and twice-daily brushing to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. You will need to continue to schedule and attend your yearly dental exams so Dr. Call can assess the health of your teeth and gums as time goes on. Receiving biannual teeth cleanings will also play an important role in keeping your gum health in check and preventing tartar from building up once more. Depending on the original state of your gums and your home care after an SRP treatment, you might need several more scaling and root planing sessions to fully restore your gums.

If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress and may cause tooth sensitivity, discomfort, bleeding, receding gums, and even loose or missing teeth. To maintain the health and integrity of your oral structures, it's important to have gum disease diagnosed and treated as early as possible. One treatment that can help combat the effects of gum disease and restore your wellness is scaling and root planing. Get in touch with Dr. Call at his office in Farmington, UT today to schedule your gum disease evaluation.