Routine dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance procedures are an essential part of maintaining a healthy oral environment. Keeping up to date with regular dental check ups in combination with proper at home hygiene care increases chances of patients keeping their natural teeth for life.
Probing
Plaque & Calculus
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis causes the gums to be red, irritated, painful, prone to bleeding, and is a precursor for a more serious disease, called periodontitis. Periodontitis is the presence of disease within the gums and bone tissue surrounding teeth. When the bone surrounding teeth becomes infected, it recedes and can lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss if not addressed. Both gingivitis and periodontitis are completely preventable diseases with proper brushing and flossing and routine dental visits.
Scaling & Root Planing and Periodontal Maintenance
During this procedure, the doctor may numb the area being worked on with local anesthetic to allow the hygienist to remove deposits deep beneath the gum tissue without causing discomfort to the patient. Depending on the amount of build up present, these procedures may be done in sections, or quadrants, of the mouth to ensure each area is completely free of calculus. For patients that have been diagnosed with gum disease, or who have had scaling and root planing procedures in the past, the dentist will recommend they have routine periodontal maintenance therapy instead of regular dental cleanings, or prophylaxis.
Regular dental visits, probing exams, dental x-rays, and proper at home hygiene are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth and the doctor's ability to properly diagnose and manage disease.