Periodontal Care
Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center offers periodontal care to our patients. Periodontal care (often known as gingivitis and periodontal disease) involves the gum tissue, the bone that holds the teeth into place, and the surrounding structures. We pride ourselves in giving periodontal patients the care they deserve.
What happens during the periodontics examination?
Upon your first visit with Dr. Mike or Dr. Angela, and even during a dental hygiene appointment we assess the gum tissue and surrounding structures. We use a periodontal probe to measure the space between the tooth and the gum. If this measurement is deeper than three millimeters it’s referred to as a pocket, possibly needing further treatment. Areas of bleeding are noted, along with any gum recession or loss of bone that hold the teeth into place. Radiographs are also taken to determine if any bone loss has occurred and how much. This periodontal examination will tell us what kind of cleaning will be warranted to give our patients the care they deserve.
What is regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning or prophylaxis is recommended for patients, who don’t have any bone loss, healthy periodontal measurements and little to no bleeding in the gum tissue. A regular cleaning removes softs plaque, stain and tartar from above the gum line, and only slightly below. Our hygiene team will always spend time educating patients on ways to keep your teeth and gum tissue healthy. A regular cleaning is usually done two or three times a year and is considered a preventative procedure by you insurance carrier.
What are some common procedures to treat gingivitis and periodontal disease?
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) can be managed and possible reversed with a thorough cleaning and good practiced home care. Our hygienists will always spend extra time educating their patients on oral hygiene techniques and provide the proper tools to make home care possible. It is truly a team approach to achieve healthy gums and teeth.
A procedure called Scaling and Root Planing is used to treat and manage periodontal disease. Most often referred to as a Deep Cleaning, is used when bone loss is noted and periodontal measurements exceed a healthy reading. Our hygienists take the time to clean all surfaces of your teeth, under the gum tissue, as well as the roots of teeth. We will always offer local anesthetic and nitrous oxide to make these procedures comfortable and painless.
After the deep clean, our hygienists will spend some time educating on proper home care and making sure you feel comfortable keeping your teeth and gums clean at home. Again, we believe it is truly a team approach to achieve oral health and wellness. A periodontal maintenance program will be implemented, and most often times we will check your gum health 3 or 4 times a year. Depending on how quickly plaque and tartar accumulate, and how well home care is are all factors that will determine how often we need to perform a Periodontal Maintenance.
We know that there is a relationship between chronic inflammation in the gums and overall health, especially heart disease and diabetes. Keeping the gums and the bone surrounding your teeth as healthy as possible is an important part of your regular dental visits and overall health and wellness.