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Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health
In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as fluorides, dental sealants or other methods to reduce your susceptability to decay and periodontal disease.
As part of your initial examination you will receive a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Your continuing care interval will be designed based on your risk for and level of gingivitis and/or periodontal disease. As a regular patient in our practice your will receive and annual update on your gingival health that includes a reevaluation of your complete gingival health. Our goal is to prevent the loss of your teeth because of gum and bone disease (Periodontitis).
Oral Cancer Screenings
During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas.
Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is a primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
Scaling & Root Planing
When the gum tissue is diseased and bone that underliesthe gums and supports the teeth shows signs of loss, scaling and root planing is recommended. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the dental hygienist removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line to promote healing and retard bone loss. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed hand instruments and ultrasonic devices. The diode laser is also used to disinfect the bacteria from under the gum tissue. Local anesthetic is used to ensure the hygienist can remove all of the plaque and calculus.
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