Dental Hygiene Treatment

Non-surgical gum treatments

The gums, ligaments, and bone form the foundation for one’s teeth. These structures are referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth, just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. This is where appropriate gum treatments come in. If you’re having a problem, come in and see us so we can take care of it right away.

Radiographs

Radiographs are a necessary part of the diagnostic process. Without this information, we are not able to evaluate many areas of the teeth and the periodontium. Without radiographs, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that would require attention.

In our office, we use digital radiography, which allows us to make images using 50-70% less radiation versus conventional radiographs. Coupled with the latest in imaging software, digital radiography allows us to enhance the images for more accurate diagnosis of any dental concerns.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight-to-moderate bone loss may be present.
Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate-to-severe bone loss may be present.

Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment. Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and, eventually, the bone that supports the teeth.

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one or two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually completed on one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time, while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, a WaterPik @, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist will recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

Maintenance

It only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar). Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!