Dental Cleanings Versus Periodontal Cleanings

Your teeth and gums have an interdependent relationship, which means healthy teeth depend on the support of healthy gums. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, however, with routine checkups and care, our periodontist can diagnose and treat gum disease from its outset, before it causes serious damage. At Stonewall Dental Associates, we utilize advanced technology and methods to halt the onset and progress of the periodontal disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your life.

Gum disease is a prevalent condition, which adversely affects the oral health of millions of people across the United States. To prevent gum disease, it is important to brush and floss daily, and visit our periodontist for biannual exams and teeth cleanings. These steps help protect your teeth and gums against the detrimental effects of plaque, which a sticky film that gathers continuously in your mouth, harboring harmful bacteria. When plaque gathers below the gum line, it infects and inflames the soft tissues and bone structure supporting teeth, leading to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the initial phase of gum disease, and with the exception of some bleeding with brushing or flossing, it does not cause any discomfort. To diagnose gingivitis, our periodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and their surrounding anatomy, with the use of advanced digital radiography, as needed. If you’re diagnosed with gingivitis, our periodontist may recommend a deeper cleaning with a two-part treatment called scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque from underneath the gums, then smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to prevent further plaque accumulation. By treating gingivitis early on, we can reverse it before it progresses to a more advanced stage of periodontal disease.

At Stonewall Dental Associates, we provide precise, gentle care to help you maintain a lifetime of excellent oral health. Our periodontist focuses on the prevention and early intervention of periodontal disease. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call today.