Hygiene & Prevention
Teeth Cleaning
Part of oral hygiene involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and flossing. Dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine home cleaning.
Periodontal Scaling
Scaling procedures include the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from the crown and root surfaces of teeth. Root planing is a specialized skill involving scaling of the root of the tooth, made up of cementum. Because cementum is softer than enamel, it is affected more by ongoing build-up and inflammatory by products. A smooth cementum provides less opportunity for bacteria to accumulate and form calculus. Root planing is an important part of stopping the progression of periodontal disease, especially once deeper pockets have formed in the gums, which is really in the bone. Thus, root planing is a specific treatment that removes the roughened cementum and surface dentin that is impregnated with calculus, microorganisms and their toxins.
The objective for periodontal scaling and root planing is to remove etiologic agents which can cause inflammation to the gum tissue and surrounding bone. Common etiologic agents removed by periodontal therapy include dental plaque and tartar (calculus). Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective periodontal methods of treating gum disease before it becomes severe.
Together your Doctor and Hygienist will set a hygiene interval that suits your dental needs. This may include seeing your hygienist every three to four months with annual check-ups had with your doctor.
Diagnostic Informaion
Includes any procedure used to find a problem with a tooth, gum tissue, or other oral structures of the mouth. This includes, but not limited to the following:
Radiographs
Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and bone. This can help your dentist to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.
Intra Oral Photos
Most dental hygienists and dentists use intraoral cameras to educate their patient about his/her oral health. With the use of the camera, the patient is able to see the condition of his/her teeth and helps the dentist in discussing the disease condition of the teeth and how it could be prevented
Periodontal Probing
Periodontal probing is a common procedure done by your dental professional to check your gum health. Periodontal probing involves taking measurements of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Six measurements are taken of the gum tissue around each tooth in your mouth.