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 dental sealants or nightguards to protect against
bruxism & TMJ.
If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe
gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling or planing. These
measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping
you to keep your natural teeth.
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 is
the 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
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which
the periodontist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum
line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed
instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from
the 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.