Dental Hygiene
Periodontal health is not only important for you teeth and mouth but there is also a link between periodontal disease and systemic disease. Periodontal disease may also be associated with diseases such as diabetes and heart disease so it is important to keep our teeth and gums clean!
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists or your Dentist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
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Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
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Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
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Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Full Mouth Debridement
When is it prescribed?
Full Mouth Debridement is usually performed when a patient has not been to a dentist in a while. There is a lot of buildup and the dentist is unable to determine the severity of your gum disease without removal of the debris.
What does it involve?
A Full Mouth Debridement is similar to a Cleaning but depending on the amount of buildup it may take much longer to perform.
Scaling & Root Planning
When is it prescribed?
If the periodontal disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended.
What does it involve?
It is usually done one quadrant 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 (planning). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
Perio Maintenance
When is it prescribed?
After a patient has undergone a Scaling and Root Planning or Perio Surgery, they will be placed on Perio Maintenance every 3 months to help maintain their periodontal disease.
What does it involve?
Perio Maintenance is similar to a Cleaning but is more of a therapeutic treatment of periodontitis vs a non therapeutic maintenance of a healthy mouth.