General & Preventive Care
Periodontal Care and Gum Disease Treatment in Salt Lake City
If you've been told you have gum disease — or you suspect something isn't right with your gums — you're not alone, and you're in the right place. Stoker Dental & Orthodontics provides thorough periodontal care salt lake city patients can count on, all right here in our office without the need for outside referrals. We accept 19+ major insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing to help make gum disease treatment straightforward and accessible. To get started, give us a call.
Why Periodontal Care Matters for Your Overall Health
Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions, and it often develops gradually without obvious symptoms. What begins as mild gum inflammation can progress to affect the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Research has also linked periodontal disease to broader health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes complications.
The good news is that periodontal treatment is designed to help stop that progression and protect both your smile and your overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with early-stage gingivitis or more advanced gum disease, getting the right care now helps preserve your teeth for the long term — and may even reduce the need for more involved procedures like dental implants down the road.
Benefits of Choosing Stoker Dental for Gum Disease Treatment
Comprehensive Care Without Referrals
At Stoker Dental, we handle periodontal treatment in-house as part of our general and preventive care services. From diagnosis through deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance, everything happens under one roof. That means fewer appointments at different offices and a care team that already knows your history.
Honest Diagnosis and No-Pressure Recommendations
Dr. Brigham Stoker takes a straightforward, evidence-based approach to every diagnosis. If your gums are healthy and a standard cleaning is all you need, that's exactly what we'll recommend. If periodontal treatment is warranted, we'll explain what's happening, why it matters, and what your options are — with no pressure to move forward before you're ready.
Periodontal Treatment vs. Regular Cleanings
A standard cleaning and exam focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline and is designed for patients with generally healthy gums. Periodontal treatment goes deeper. It targets bacteria and buildup that have moved below the gumline into the pockets around your teeth. If your dentist has measured deeper gum pockets or identified signs of bone loss, periodontal treatment — rather than a routine cleaning — is typically the recommended path.
What to Expect During Periodontal Treatment
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The most common form of gum disease treatment is a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, we carefully remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline (scaling) and then smooth the tooth root surfaces (root planing) to help your gums reattach to your teeth. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and sedation options are available if you experience dental anxiety. Most deep cleanings are completed in one or two visits depending on the extent of treatment needed.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
After your initial periodontal treatment, regular maintenance visits help keep gum disease from returning. These visits are typically scheduled every three to four months and include careful cleaning below the gumline, measurement of gum pocket depths, and monitoring of your overall gum health. Dr. Stoker will adjust your maintenance schedule based on how your gums respond over time.
Deep Cleaning Teeth Cost and Insurance Coverage
The deep cleaning teeth cost varies depending on how many quadrants of your mouth require treatment. We provide a clear estimate before any work begins so there are no surprises. Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, and we work with 19+ plans including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, and many others. Visit our insurance and financing page for a full list. For patients without insurance or those with remaining out-of-pocket costs, CareCredit financing is available to help spread payments into manageable monthly amounts.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the signs I need periodontal treatment?
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, and gums that have pulled away from your teeth. If you notice any of these, schedule an exam so we can evaluate your gum health and recommend the right next step.
How much does a deep cleaning cost without insurance?
The cost of a deep cleaning depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment. During your exam, we'll provide a clear cost estimate before any work begins. CareCredit financing is available to help spread payments over time.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Without treatment, gum disease may progress from mild inflammation to more advanced stages that can damage the bone supporting your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth loosening or tooth loss. Research also links untreated gum disease to broader health concerns including heart disease and diabetes complications.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance visits?
Most patients with a history of gum disease benefit from periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months. Your specific schedule depends on how your gums respond to treatment, and we'll adjust the frequency based on your progress.
Is deep cleaning painful?
We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, so most patients experience little to no discomfort. If you have dental anxiety, sedation options including nitrous oxide are available to help you feel at ease during treatment.
