DENTAL HYGIENE/PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Your mouth is a window to your body and your entire health! We take this very seriously and will show you how to thoroughly clean your mouth in a way that lowers the overall amount of bacteria.
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can cause you to lose your teeth and increases your risks of heart disease. If we feel that you are suffering from periodontitis (bone loss), we may recommend a scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). There are two factors to poor gum (periodontal) health. The first we can all control, it is from plaque and bacteria that we can remove daily. The second is genetics, we may inherit the tedency to have gum problems much easier and may require more dental visits even with meticulous oral hygiene.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the dentist and hygienist ensure that your mouth is numb and then removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This removes the bacteria that are causing periodontal disease. Root surfaces are cleaned, smoothed, and disinfected with specially designed instruments and techniques. It is important to remove plaque and tartar from pockets because, aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold. The inflammation in the gum tissues caused from bacteria cause a higher level of inflammation in your body and blood vessels. There are scientific studies that relate gum disease to higher risks of heart disease.
Post-op instructions:
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the procedure to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist.
Digital x-rays are quickly becoming adopted by a large percentage of the dental industry. A digital x-ray allows the dentist to take an image of the tooth or teeth and put it into an imaging program. Within this imaging program, there are a number of tools that will allow the dentist to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy. As a benefit to the patient, the digital x-ray also provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray. This is due to the fact that the digital version of the x-ray is much more sensitive to this radiation and has been specifically designed with the patient in mind.
Oral Cancer Screenings. During your dental exam, we will always check your entire mouth and oral tissues for any irregular lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the mouth can help detect areas before they turn into cancer at a stage when they can be more easily and successfully treated.
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can cause you to lose your teeth and increases your risks of heart disease. If we feel that you are suffering from periodontitis (bone loss), we may recommend a scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). There are two factors to poor gum (periodontal) health. The first we can all control, it is from plaque and bacteria that we can remove daily. The second is genetics, we may inherit the tedency to have gum problems much easier and may require more dental visits even with meticulous oral hygiene.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the dentist and hygienist ensure that your mouth is numb and then removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This removes the bacteria that are causing periodontal disease. Root surfaces are cleaned, smoothed, and disinfected with specially designed instruments and techniques. It is important to remove plaque and tartar from pockets because, aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold. The inflammation in the gum tissues caused from bacteria cause a higher level of inflammation in your body and blood vessels. There are scientific studies that relate gum disease to higher risks of heart disease.
Post-op instructions:
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the procedure to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist.
Digital x-rays are quickly becoming adopted by a large percentage of the dental industry. A digital x-ray allows the dentist to take an image of the tooth or teeth and put it into an imaging program. Within this imaging program, there are a number of tools that will allow the dentist to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy. As a benefit to the patient, the digital x-ray also provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray. This is due to the fact that the digital version of the x-ray is much more sensitive to this radiation and has been specifically designed with the patient in mind.
Oral Cancer Screenings. During your dental exam, we will always check your entire mouth and oral tissues for any irregular lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the mouth can help detect areas before they turn into cancer at a stage when they can be more easily and successfully treated.