Dental Hygiene Services

Indicated on patients with healthy gums, or minimal localized inflammation, little to no plaque or tartar, and probing depth of 3mm or less. The hygienist will thoroughly clean the area above the gum line with scaling and ultrasonic tools to rid them of plaque and calculus. Typically, this cleaning is indicated twice a year.

Indicated on patients with generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation or gingivitis. Moderate to severe plaque, calculus and stains may be present. Probing depth may be slightly increased, no damage to the supporting bone or loss of attachment have occurred at this point. The hygienist will clean the area above and slightly below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus, followed by antimicrobial (Peridex) irrigation to help improve the gingival condition. After the gingival therapy and good home care oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed, and the patient may be a candidate for regular prophylaxis twice a year.

If you haven’t gone to the dentist regularly, plaque and tartar can build up so much that is difficult for your dentist to conduct a comprehensive oral evaluation or periodontal probing. Your hygienist may first need to perform a mouth debridement to remove the thick deposits of plaque build-up and tartar off your teeth. After the debridement, your dentist can properly examine your teeth. Oftentimes, the dental exam will be performed on a separate visit. Depending of the health of your teeth and gums, your dentist may recommend a regular cleaning. If signs of gum disease are present, your dentist may advise a scaling and root planning treatment, instead.

Have you ever gone to the dentist for a regular cleaning but been told that you need to have a special, deep cleaning, instead?

Scaling and root planning or a deep cleaning is indicated on patients with a more severe periodontal condition, with plaque, calculus and bacteria beneath the gum line. The bacteria begin to cause the gum to pull away from the teeth and causes “pockets” to form. Probing depth may be more than 5 mm, damaged to the supporting bone and loss of attachment is present. If left untreated, the pockets will continue to deepen, and the bacteria will continue to destroy your bone, gums and tissues that support your teeth. As you lose more and more bone, your tooth may become loose and ultimately may need to be removed.

During scaling and root planning your hygienist is able to remove plaque and calculus from the pockets and below the gum line. Also, tooth roots will be smoothed, eliminating any remaining bacteria that could lead to a more severe stage of periodontal disease. Following this cleaning, an antimicrobial or antibiotic are often placed in the gum pocket. These medications will promote fast and healthy healing and help ease discomfort.

In more severe cases, when periodontal (gum or bone) surgery is required, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specialized in the treatment of advanced periodontal disease.

Remember:

• Periodontal disease may not be painful but is a serious problem that should not be ignored.
• Regular cleanings will not stop your periodontal disease from progressing.

Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and have undergone scaling and root planning, periodontal maintenance is the type of cleaning that will take place for your dental care routine.

Rather than just addressing the crowns of your teeth as in prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance also cares for your tooth roots, gums and bone (all tissues affected by your periodontal disease). It is recommended every 3 to 4 months. Research indicates bacterial formation under the gums occurs almost immediately after cleaning, with bad bacteria forming after 3 months. Frequent removal of the bacteria from under the gumline can control the inflammation and can often prevent the further breakdown of the bone and gum supporting your teeth. Although periodontal condition cannot be reversed, periodontal maintenance is the best therapy to effectively control its