Supportive Periodontal Therapy
How important is it to have your teeth cleaned?
Although you may brush and floss at home it is important to see your periodontist and dental hygienist at least twice a year to professionally clean your teeth. During your hygiene visit Dr.Sarmiento will always do a comprehensive periodontal examination which includes a full exam of the gums, teeth, tongue, salivary glands, TMJ and the muscles of mastication. By doing so, any initiating disease may be diagnosed and treated without the need of a periodontal surgery. Once cleared by Dr. Sarmiento, our dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth in areas you may not have access to with your floss or tooth brush. Hygiene recall visits vary on how much plaque, tartar and bacteria you accumulate in a given time and/or in the presence of a periodontal disease.
What’s the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is designed for the maintenance of healthy gums. Healthy gums have a small, shallow space between the teeth and gums. The treatment for healthy gums require the removal of plaque and bacteria above the gum line and polishing of the teeth. A deep cleaning (or “scaling and root planning”) is needed when there is a larger amount of tartar and bacteria under the gums causing a periodontal pocket. These pockets can become harmful to the surrounding bone and overall health of the body. This procedure requires local anesthesia and may take up to four visits to fully accomplish the removal of all undesired debris. After scaling and root planning, we allow 4-6 weeks for the gums to recover and get healthy prior to a reevaluation.
How important is it to have your teeth cleaned?
Although you may brush and floss at home it is important to see your periodontist and dental hygienist at least twice a year to professionally clean your teeth. During your hygiene visit Dr.Sarmiento will always do a comprehensive periodontal examination which includes a full exam of the gums, teeth, tongue, salivary glands, TMJ and the muscles of mastication. By doing so, any initiating disease may be diagnosed and treated without the need of a periodontal surgery. Once cleared by Dr. Sarmiento, our dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth in areas you may not have access to with your floss or tooth brush. Hygiene recall visits vary on how much plaque, tartar and bacteria you accumulate in a given time and/or in the presence of a periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response of your gums due to bacteria and plaque. The gums may become red and swollen and depending on its severity, may be called gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums due to an excess of plaque accumulation on the teeth. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums, or gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth and is often reversible. By contrast, periodontitis has progressed to more serious gum disease. One key sign of periodontitis: the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where additional bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Many people do not notice symptoms of gingivitis, but signs of possible periodontitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, pain when chewing, poor tooth alignment, receding gums or pockets between the teeth and gums, sores on the inside of the mouth, and loose or sensitive teeth. Gingivitis if left untreated, may develop to periodontitis and cause an irreversible destruction of the jaw bone.
What if I have dental implants?
Dental implants require the same attention as teeth. Implants need to be professionally cleaned every 3 months. Their maintenance should to be done by an office to which is experienced and properly equipped with the instrumentation to do so. Dr. Sarmiento and the Hygienists go above and beyond to provide and guide you with a healthy, maintainable and long lasting experience with your dental implants.
What should I do at home to keep my teeth clean?
Brushing and flossing 3 times a day will maintain healthy gums. Supplemental tools such as a waterpik, mouth wash and rubber tips may be used to compliment your hygiene. If you notice plaque is accumulating more than usual call our office to schedule a cleaning to help protect your gums from acquiring a periodontal disease.