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A visit to your dentist / hygienist involves a thorough assessment of your oral health status. Regular maintenance visits to the dentist will allow early detection of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can destroy the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is “silent’ and often has no symptoms.
In order to assess your gum tissue, small measurements will be taken of the tissue surrounding your teeth. Radiographs (x-rays) will also be obtained to show health and bone support of the teeth. A very thorough oral examination of supporting tissues, as well as a head and neck examination, will be performed by your dentist and hygienist. The doctor will then diagnose your oral status and develop treatment according to your needs and level of infection. Early diagnosis and early treatment makes periodontal disease easier to treat and control.
Gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease, is usually easily treated and reversible. Educating patients on how to remove harmful bacterial toxins with different tooth brushing techniques, flossing instructions and antibacterial rinses usually clears up this condition and returns the mouth to a healthy state.
Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads to the bone. The most common causes are plaque and tarter building up under the gumline. This can cause irritation to the gums. If there are symptoms, they may include bright red gums that bleed easily, or gums that shrink and recede. As the ligaments break down, the gums pull away from the teeth. Pockets deepen and worsen and fill with bacteria. Bone starts to be destroyed, and teeth may loosen.
In order to treat this stage of infection, your doctor and hygienist will recommend a “deep cleaning” of the roots of your teeth where the bacterial infection is located. We use many elements to relax you during this visit. Local anesthesia is administered, sometimes with the use of nitrous oxide, relaxing music, headsets and massage therapy. Your dental hygienist then begins the therapeutic cleaning with the use of ultrasonic cleaners and hand instruments. A prescription rinse may be prescribed for you as well as instructions for tooth brushing techniques and flossing instructions. An electric tooth brush may be recommended.
Your hygienist will ask you questions concerning your health and diet. They will make sure you have an awareness of the amount of sugars and carbohydrates you take into your diet on a regular basis. Other factors such as diabetes, smoking, and a family history of periodontal disease will be discussed. The success of your treatment depends on compliance in all areas.
You will be placed on frequent recalls so we may monitor and treat your periodontal disease. Your response to treatment may vary and your doctor / hygienist will continue to monitor and treat you as needed. Periodontal disease can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment and monitoring. Periodontal treatment is an investment in your overall health. By keeping your regularly scheduled visits, you will ensure that the disease is controlled and overall health is improved. When a strong partnership is formed between the patient, doctor, hygienist and dental team, tooth loss can be avoided and a health mouth and body will result.
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