Cleanings & Gum Disease Treatment in Canton
Our friendly hygienists educate patients about the condition of their oral health.
Gentle, thorough Cleanings and Gum Disease Treatment
Our hygienists are great at explaining procedures so you know what to expect.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults over the age of 35. Practicing good oral hygiene at home in combination with regular professional cleanings is your best defense against gum disease.
Our hygienists each have over 10 years of experience and are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health. They provide gentle cleanings that are very thorough.
Experienced Dental Cleanings
Regular cleanings by a professional hygienist are vital to maintaining oral health. Your hygienist will use a special tool to gently remove hardened plaque on and between your teeth and under your gum line—areas where brushing can’t reach. For more stubborn stains or plaque trapped under the gum line, she will provide a deeper cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler.
After the plaque has been removed, a smoothing polish will leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh, as well as help to keep bacteria from sticking to the surface of your teeth.
Periodontal exam
Periodontal exams are conducted to measure the space – “pockets” – between your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will gently probe along your gum line and record the size of the pockets so that we can be alert to any signs of current or impending gum disease. The depth of your pockets will guide the type of cleaning you will need.
Intraoral camera
Intraoral photography allows you to see exactly what we see.
Our periodontal exams also include intraoral photography. A tiny camera gently inserted into your mouth captures detailed images that are sent to a computer monitor. This allows us to show you any areas that may be a problem, and any spaces that need extra attention when you are brushing and flossing.
Patient education
Dr. Goch and our hygienists understand exactly how important it is for you to understand how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home. We offer friendly tips, and provide demonstrations on the methods for brushing and flossing that best suit your individual needs.
Caesy multimedia videos
These educational tools cover a wide range of topics that include both dental procedures and general oral maintenance. Caesy videos help provide you with a solid understanding of ways to care for your teeth and gums as well as details about treatment options. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about your dental care.
Nutritional counseling
The link between your diet and the health of your teeth and gums has been well documented. When poor nutrition is affecting your oral health, we can provide friendly guidance to help you make better dietary choices.
About Gum Disease
While we believe that preventative care is the best course of action, there are times when gum disease does occur, and we are well equipped to handle it. Dr. Goch and our skilled hygienists can treat most cases of gum disease, ranging from mild to more advanced.
What is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Gum disease occurs when hardened bacteria in the form of calculus, or tartar, builds up around the roots of the teeth, causing the gums to detach from the teeth, and allowing more bacteria to accumulate in the pockets that have been formed.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress and result in the loss of teeth and bone. It is also a contributing factor in other medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
What causes Gum Disease?
The most common causes of gum disease are genetics, smoking and accumulated plaque bacteria. Plaque is a sticky colorless film consisting of bacteria that continually forms on our teeth, and if not removed by brushing and flossing, can form a hard buildup of tartar. This buildup irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed and retract from the bacteria and the teeth.
Stages of Gum Disease
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1) Healthy gums
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2) Redness and swelling (gingivitis)
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3) Bone & tissue loss (periodontitis)
As shown in the illustration above, healthy gums have a pocket depth under three mm. As gum disease progresses, the pocket depths increase, as does the chance of losing your tooth or teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease include persistent bad breath and gums that are tender, swollen, receding, or bleed during brushing. As gum disease progresses, chewing may become more difficult and teeth can loosen and ultimately fall out.
Effective Gum Disease Treatment
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planning, also known as deep cleaning, is the first step we take to treat moderate gum disease. Your hygienist will begin with the scaling process, gently and skillfully removing hardened dental plaque from your teeth.
To discourage the future growth of bacteria, the roots of your teeth will be “planed” to smooth the surface. Since it’s difficult for bacteria to adhere to the freshly smoothed surfaces, your gums can regenerate without further irritation. The gum tissue will subsequently shrink, tighten, and reattach to the teeth.
Ultrasonic Scaler for deep cleaning
Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations in combination with a water flow to gently and effectively remove deep stains, plaque and tartar. The tiny tip allows for comfortable access to the roots when deeper cleaning is needed, and overall, ultrasonic scalers make cleanings faster and more efficient.
In some cases, our hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove hardened tartar and treat inflamed gums, as the oral irrigation reaches below the gum line where bacteria flourish.
Antibiotic therapy
ARESTIN® contains tiny microspheres filled with a powerful, time-release antibiotic. These microspheres are placed exactly where you need them, between the teeth and gums, to help eliminate any bacteria that may remain after a scaling and planing procedure.
To make an appointment, call 770.479.5425 or click here to request an appointment online.