Periodontal Services in Sandy, UT
Why People Love Comprehensive Sedation Dental
Our Advanced Periodontal Treatments
Deep Cleaning with Bacterial Testing
Unlike traditional "scaling and root planing" that cleans blindly, we test first to know exactly what bacteria we're targeting. With sedation options available, you stay comfortable throughout treatment.
Laser-Assisted Therapy
Advanced laser treatments provide precise, minimally invasive care that stimulates healing and reduces bacteria. The laser helps regenerate bone and tissue that gum disease destroyed.
Custom Perio-Protect Trays
These aren't like store-bought mouth guards. Custom-fitted trays deliver medication directly to infected areas between visits, fighting bacteria where brushing and flossing can't reach.
Ongoing Maintenance That Actually Works
Because we eliminate the infection rather than just managing it, your maintenance visits focus on keeping you healthy—not re-treating the same problems over and over.
Why Most Gum Treatments Don't Work Long-Term
"We don't want to manage negligence," explains Dr. Rickers. "Gum disease is a bacterial infection. To eliminate it, we need to use antibiotics and possibly even a laser, which helps to stimulate the bone to grow better. Effective oral treatment that will terminate the infection is the only way to guarantee the patient a successful outcome." Most dental offices treat gum disease with cleanings and hope for the best. Dr. Rickers' approach is more like treating any other infection in your body—identify the specific bacteria, target it with the right medication, and confirm it's eliminated.
Dr. Rickers' Whole-Body Approach to Gum Disease
With his background in exercise physiology, Dr. Rickers understands connections other dentists miss. "Gum health is vital to our overall health, and a lot of modern conveniences are detrimental to it," he explains.
The factors that contribute to gum disease often start early in life:
- Poor breathing patterns from childhood (often linked to not being breastfed)
- Processed food diets that feed harmful bacteria
- Mouth breathing that dries protective saliva
- Modern lifestyle stress that weakens immune response
This comprehensive understanding means he treats not just the infection, but the underlying factors that allowed it to develop.
A Clear Path to Healthy Gums
Gum disease is a bacterial infection. Our protocol targets the exact bacteria, supports healing at home, and tracks your progress so we know the infection is gone.
Test and Map the Infection
MyPerioPath® bacterial testing identifies the specific pathogens driving your gum issues. Your report guides medication choices and lets us measure improvement over time—no more guessing what bacteria we're fighting.
Target the Bacteria
When indicated, we use antibiotic therapy based on your test results—no guesswork. In many cases, we add laser-assisted decontamination to reduce the bacterial load and support tissue response. This combination often eliminates infections that traditional cleanings couldn't touch.
Treat at Home Between Visits
Perio Protect® custom trays deliver medication under the gumline, where brushing and floss can't reach. It's simple daily support that keeps bacteria down and breath fresh—like having professional treatment at home every day.
We also recommend OraCare® rinse to reduce harmful bacteria and volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath and tissue inflammation.
Meet Dr. Spencer Rickers, DMD
Sedation Expertise
Tech-forward, Patient-first
What You Can Expect
Within the first few weeks:
- Less bleeding when you brush and floss
- Fresher breath throughout the day
- Reduced gum tenderness and swelling
After completing treatment:
- Pockets that stay cleaner between visits
- Stronger foundation for crowns, bridges, and implants
- Confidence that the infection is actually gone
Who Benefits Most from This Approach?
You've been told you have "gum disease" but cleanings aren't helping
If you've had multiple deep cleanings but your gums still bleed or you still have bad breath, you likely need targeted bacterial treatment.
You want to save your natural teeth
Eliminating gum disease stops the bone loss that eventually leads to tooth loss. Treating the infection properly now prevents expensive tooth replacement later.
You're planning dental work
Crowns, bridges, and implants last longer when placed in a healthy, infection-free mouth. Eliminating gum disease first protects your investment.
You're tired of band-aid treatments
If you want to actually solve the problem instead of managing symptoms forever, bacterial testing and targeted treatment gets to the root cause.
Why Hundreds of Happy Patients Choose Us
Full-Service Dentistry
Complete care from checkups to implants and smile makeovers, planned for lifelong health.
No Judgment Ever
Come as you are—compassion, comfort options, and a clear path forward.
Non-Surgical Gum Care
Cutting-edge, non-surgical system to eliminate gum disease and restore oral health.
Transparent Pricing
Clear estimates, flexible financing, and helpful insurance support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I need maintenance visits after treatment?
Because we eliminate the infection rather than just managing it, many patients need maintenance less frequently than with traditional gum treatment. We'll create a personalized schedule based on your bacterial test results and healing response.
Do the Perio Protect trays really work at home?
Yes—the custom trays deliver medication under your gumline where brushing and flossing can't reach. Patients typically notice fresher breath and less bleeding within the first few weeks of home treatment.
Can I get all my treatment done in one visit?
The bacterial elimination protocol typically requires multiple phases: testing, targeted treatment, and confirmation testing. However, with Dr. Rickers' sedation expertise, we can complete multiple treatment phases in single visits to minimize your time commitment.
How soon can I start treatment?
We can begin bacterial testing immediately, often the same day as your consultation. Once we have your MyPerioPath results, we can start targeted treatment within days rather than weeks.
What happens if I don't treat my gum disease?
Untreated bacterial infection leads to bone loss, tooth loss, and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other serious health conditions. Dr. Rickers' approach stops the infection before it causes irreversible damage.
What makes your approach different from other dentists?
Most dentists manage gum disease with cleanings and hope for improvement. Dr. Rickers eliminates the infection using bacterial testing, targeted antibiotics, laser therapy, and home medication delivery. Our 95% success rate speaks to the effectiveness of treating the actual cause.
How do you know if the infection is actually gone?
Unlike traditional gum treatment that relies on symptoms, we use MyPerioPath bacterial testing before and after treatment to confirm the specific bacteria are eliminated. This scientific approach ensures we're not just managing symptoms but actually curing the infection.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
We work with many major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options. MyPerioPath testing and targeted antibiotic therapy are often covered when medically necessary. Our team will help maximize your benefits and explain all costs upfront.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment length depends on your bacterial test results and infection severity. With sedation, we can often complete the bacterial elimination protocol in fewer visits. The Perio Protect home treatment continues between visits to maintain progress.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
We offer multiple sedation options to ensure your comfort, including laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Most patients are surprised how comfortable laser-assisted treatment feels, and many choose to sleep through more extensive bacterial elimination procedures.
PPO Plans Accepted
In-House Membership Plan
Our exclusive membership plan offers comprehensive coverage at affordable rates:
- 365/Year $1/Day
- 10% off Treatment Up to 20% off preventative and gum therapy.
- Two Full Cleanings, one Emergency exam. All additional imaging included for procedures and exams.
- No waiting periods or annual maximums
