Regularly scheduled professional cleanings reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth and help prevent dental decay and gum disease. Based on an assessment of your teeth and gums, your dental hygienist will create a treatment plan to best meet your oral health needs. Our advanced dental hygiene services include

• Digital radiography

• Gum tissue evaluation (periodontal charting)

• Scaling and root planing

• Oral cancer screening

• Instruction in brushing and flossing techniques

If you require more than just regular hygiene care, your dentist/hygienist may prescribe a deep cleaning (Scaling and Root planning). This procedure is usually done in sections. The cleaning takes two sessions, in which half of the mouth is cleaned in each session. First, the teeth and the gums are anesthetized, then the teeth are cleaned using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments. It is normal to experience temperature sensitivity after the appointment. Your teeth may even be sensitive to chewing. Your gums will be sore and may bleed.

Sometimes your dentist/hygienist may advise the placement of an antibiotic (arrestin, perio-chip) in the pocket if it is greater than 4mm. In that case, patients should postpone brushing for 12 hours and avoid the use of interproximal cleaning devices (flossing) for 10 days. Also, patients should avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 1 week.

After completion of the treatment, it is important to follow good home care which includes regular brushing, flossing, and using a mouth rinse (prescription or over-the-counter). Your dentist/hygienist may put you on a 3-4 month follow-up care. Failure to comply will return your gum condition to its initial pre-treated state. Regular follow-up care will allow gums and bone to heal and will prevent further destruction. Gum disease is a silent disease and the importance of follow-up care cannot be emphasized enough.