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In-Office Dental Hygiene Services

Preventative Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is the removal of plaque, stain and calculus from tooth structures and it is intended to control local irritation such as gingivitis.

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Prophylaxis is performed every six months for patients without evidence of periodontal disease.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, otherwise known as deep cleaning, is a subgingival scaling of the root surface to remove irritants like bacteria and calculus deposits causing mild to severe periodontal disease, gingival pocketing and boneloss.

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After scaling and root planing is performed, a patient comes back for evaluation after six weeks and is then placed on a three-four month periodontal maintenance recall.

What is Periodontal Disease?

The term “periodontal" means "around the tooth.”  Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis or gum disease) is an inflammatory condition which affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth; also the jawbone itself when in its most advanced stages.

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Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue.  A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissue.  Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat.  

 

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone.  If left untreated, it can lead to shifting teeth, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.

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Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and due to its typically painless nature, it can be left undetected without regularly scheduled dental visits.

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