Preventive Services
Periodontal Maintenance
Many adults develop some type of periodontal, or gum disease. Research studies have suggested that either the inflammatory response or the bacteria associated with gum disease can be linked to health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and bacterial pneumonia. Gum disease is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed completely through brushing and flossing, gums can become irritated and inflamed. The irritated gum tissue can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria can move into the pockets, leading to periodontitis, which results in swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums.
Regular checkups are important to maintaining your periodontal health. During an exam, your gums will be evaluated for periodontal disease. Your hygienist will use a small instrument, or periodontal probe, to measure the space between the teeth and gums and determine whether periodontal pockets are present.
Scaling and root planing is a method of treating periodontal disease when pockets are greater than 3 milimeters. Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. A local anesthetic may be used to reduce any discomfort. Using an instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner, the dentist carefully removes plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. The tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed and planed. This allows gum tissue to heal and makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces.
Sealants
Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque (the white film that forms on a person's teeth). The longer the plaque remains on a tooth's surface, the more likely it is to cause a cavity. Most of the plaque on a person's teeth can be removed by brushing. However, some back teeth, especially the molars, can be difficult to clean because of the narrow grooves found on their chewing surfaces. The individual bristles of a person's toothbrush are too large to reach into these grooves and properly remove the build-up of food and plaque.
Sealants are highly recommended for children whose adult molars have emerged. A sealant is a plastic resin that the dentist bonds into the grooves of chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting these vulnerable areas by "sealing-out" cavity causing bacteria. Sealants are safe, painless, and require no drilling. They generally last between two to four years, and should be checked by a dentist during regular check-ups.