We first evaluate the health of your gums and supporting bone structure through dental x-rays and tissue measurements. Then we remove hard mineral deposits and sticky plaque through ultrasonic and hand instrumentation. Teeth are then polished and flossed. We will also discuss any problem areas we see and give home care recommendations.

Each individual’s needs are unique, and depends on mineral build-ups, plaque levels and history of gum disease. The recommendation from the American Dental Association is every six months. Individuals with history of periodontal treatment may need to come in every three to four months.

Preventive measures are generally less expensive than treatments required for advanced dental problems as we can address issues before they worsen. Routine check-ups can increase the longevity of teeth through cavity and gum disease prevention. Oral health is closely linked to overall health; poor oral hygiene contributes to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Regular care and maintenance leads to healthier gums, teeth, and overall health.

X-rays are a standard of dental care that all dentists uphold. The dental boards expect this of us, the insurance companies expect this is of us, and patients expect us to deliver a thorough and comprehensive exam. Dentists are able to examine your mouth using visual and tactile methods, but without the x-rays we cannot see the depth of disease or abnormalities that may be occurring.

When a dentist grabs your tongue and turns it from side-to-side, we are screening for oral cancer and any other atypical things that could be going on in your mouth.

Fluoride is a precursor, along with hydroxyapatite, to build healthy enamel and protects them from the acidic plaque that cavity causing bacteria produce. For those who have high cavity rates or have low fluoride levels in their drinking water, we will prescribe fluoride toothpaste.

This treatment is required when inflammation occurs around the gums and jaw bone that support the tooth. In late stages of periodontal disease, the supporting bone has receded from the tooth, leaving the tooth mobile.

“Two, two, three. Three, two, four.” Those numbers we chant while poking around your teeth with a pointy metal instrument indicate the health of your gum tissues and the supporting bone structure. These 6-point measurements of the tooth’s sulcus, a.k.a. the “pocket” between your teeth and gums, can sometimes be tender or bleed during examining.

When gum disease goes unchecked, the pockets deepen, eventually leading to tooth mobility, tooth loss, and/or periodontal abscesses. It can hitchhike its way through your whole body, leading to systemic damage.

Healthy gums are when teeth are sitting pretty, snuggled in tight with support from happy gums and bone. Those with gingivitis, gums are red, angry and swollen and may even bleed. This is the beginning stage of periodontal disease and is reversible. Periodontitis (or periodontal disease) is chronic inflammation of the gums, causing the bone to recede. Teeth have lost their support, becoming lose and may even fall out. This chronic inflammation can contribute to systemic health conditions.

People with severe periodontal “gum” disease have 2-3 times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event. P. gingivalis, the leading bacterium triggering periodontal disease, can move from the mouth to the brain. Once inside the brain, P. gingivalis releases enzymes called gingipains that destroy nerve cells. Diabetes and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship due to the inflammatory nature of both diseases.