Practicing daily oral hygiene including brushing twice a day and flossing removes bacteria that leads to gum disease. If left untreated gum disease, known as periodontitis, can lead to more serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Regular periodontal maintenance Southfield MI appointments go beyond standard teeth cleanings and address the underlying problem of harmful bacteria. Typically patients visit every three to four months.
Periodontal Cleanings
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in a sticky, colorless film called plaque that constantly forms on teeth and along the gum line. When it is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove from teeth at home and requires professional cleanings.
During a dental prophylaxis our hygienist will carefully remove any excess calculus/tartar, plaque and bacteria that may be present above and below the gum line. This treatment helps reduce infection, promote healthier gums and freshens breath (halitosis).
This non-surgical ultra-deep cleaning procedure is a critical component in stopping the progression of mild gingivitis to periodontitis, which damages the teeth, tissue and jawbone. A personalized treatment plan will be created to ensure optimum oral health, including recommendations for improved at-home care. Keeping to your schedule of visits every 3 to 4 months will prevent symptoms from reoccurring and help you maintain your beautiful smile!
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleanings)
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a more comprehensive dental cleaning procedure than your regular teeth cleaning. It is often recommended for those who have developed gum disease, or whose gums appear to be receding.
During this process, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar deposits that reach below the gum line where brushing and flossing can’t reach. These deposits harbor bacteria that irritate the gums and promote inflammation, eventually leading to periodontitis and loss of the connective tissue that holds teeth in place.
The hygienist also smooths the roots of your teeth to help the gum tissue heal and reattach to the tooth. This procedure can be done with or without a local anesthetic, depending on the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. This deep cleaning can provide many benefits, including:
Oral Cancer Screening
Gum disease results in the accumulation of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) on teeth and along the gumline. This irritates the gums and leads to inflammation, swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. If not treated, it can advance to the severe stage of periodontitis.
Oral cancer is a potentially deadly condition that can occur in the tissues surrounding the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. It can progress silently without any pain or symptoms and often isn’t detected until it has advanced to a more serious stage.
Our dental professionals are trained in identifying the early signs of oral cancer. Routine screenings are performed with a special device called the VELscope, which projects a blue light into the mouth. This light highlights any abnormal tissue, allowing the dental professional to quickly and easily detect lesions that may be indicative of cancer. A biopsy is then taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Periodontal Therapy
With proper daily brushing and flossing and regular dental examinations and cleanings, periodontal maintenance Southfield MI disease can be prevented. However, sometimes despite diligent home care, gum disease develops. This is caused by harmful bacteria that initiate the breakdown of bone and gum tissue around teeth. If left untreated, it leads to the loss of teeth.
In its mildest form, gingivitis, gum disease causes red, swollen and bleeding gums. It is easily treated with thorough daily brushing and flossing, followed by professional treatment every six months.
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical treatments that completely cleanse the teeth and roots of bacterial plaque, infection and tartar. This treatment effectively stops gum disease in its tracks, halts the progression of the disease and reduces pockets that house dangerous bacteria.
Besides preventing and treating gum disease, periodontists are well-versed in dental implants, tooth repositioning (gum lifts) and cosmetic procedures such as crown lengthening. They also perform bone grafting to strengthen weak jaw bones and encourage healthy new bone growth.
