PREVENTATIVE CARE

The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. A good home care regimen must be supplemented by regular dental visits to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We customize cleanings based on your periodontal (gum and bone) health.  Depending on the status of your oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits than the usual six month recall appointment.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed, gums become inflamed and even bleed. The irritated gum tissue can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria move into the pockets where they continue to promote irritation. The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. It often results in gums that are red and swollen and may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a chronic infection in the pockets around the teeth which can lead to bone and other tooth-supporting tissue loss.  As a result, teeth can become loose and eventually be lost due to lack of support.

Our goal is to prevent the start and progression of gum disease; however, if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we may suggest scaling and root planing. This procedure involves using a small scaler or ultrasonic instrument to carefully remove the plaque and tartar from the periodontal pocket. The removal of these bacterial irritants allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In addition, we may recommend antibiotic therapy or prescription mouth rinses as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to treat problem areas if necessary.

Once this treatment is completed, we will reevaluate your periodontal pockets at subsequent visits and determine a periodontal maintenance schedule to meet your specific needs.  Periodontal disease will not go away on its own or by simple home care. Professional treatment and ongoing management of the disease is the best way to help ensure a healthy smile.