Achieving periodontal health is the foundation of a stunning smile!
Periodontal health is achieved through dental cleanings or periodontal treatment, which involves cleaning the teeth and space around the tooth to improve the tissues’ health surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal therapy can be done by either a dentist or a registered dental hygienist to help manage gingivitis and periodontitis. Book an appointment today to improve your periodontal health.
Call us to book a consultation for periodontal therapy.
What is a periodontal examination?
During a comprehensive periodontal examination or dental cleaning appointment, critical information is gathered to assess the health of the gums, bone, and periodontal ligaments. The following tools are used during the appointment to determine the best individualized dental hygiene treatment plan:
- Periodontal probing (millimetre measurements around each tooth)
- Visual and palpable examination
- Dental radiographs (x-rays), and
- A medical health history
Why should you have your teeth cleaned regularly?
Everyone, at some time or another, has experienced gingivitis when the plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, resulting in some or all five of the cardinal signs of inflammation:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Loss of function
In some cases, you might notice bleeding, redness, or even some degree of pain when brushing, flossing, or eating. Besides possible trauma to the tissue, the next most likely cause of the inflammation is bacteria left near, on, or under the gum tissue. Gingivitis can usually be resolved by removing the soft and hard debris with regular professional dental hygiene therapy and good homecare; however, if left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease which can destroy:
Gum tissue- Supporting bone, and
- Periodontal ligaments
Periodontal disease occurs when plaque hardens into calculus or tartar and firmly attaches to the teeth, creating the perfect home for bacteria to proliferate. While the body attempts to respond to the bacteria, the pus and enzymes produced can destroy your bone. If the pus is unable to drain, a periodontal abscess may develop which can also destroy bone. If left untreated, teeth can become loose or may even be lost.
Regular professional teeth cleaning, good homecare, and a balanced diet can help treat the inflammation associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Current research also shows that the management of oral inflammation may help manage other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy.
At Kesteven Dental Care Studio, we know that everyone is unique. That is why each treatment plan, from the frequency and type of periodontal therapy to comfort and homecare recommendations, are based upon your individual examination, needs, wants, and preferences. Book your next dental cleaning with us today!
