Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You need to accompany brushing and flossing regularly with visits to your dentist. Your dentist is able to provide a far more in depth cleaning, fluoride treatments and watching for and/or preventing gum disease.
Gum disease progresses very slowly. In many cases you won't even realize that you have it. Gum disease can be localized to one tooth, or generalized to all the teeth and affects gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease is mediated by specific bacteria that destroys bony architecture around the teeth and causes receding gums. If it goes without treatment it can lead to larger issues like tooth decay and loss. Even if you are vigilant about flossing, brushing and taking care of your teeth it is possible to have gum disease, which is why it is so important to have routine check-ups with your dentist.
When you visit Protea Dental Centre we will check for the presence of gum disease, and if we find any evidence we will create a treatment plan to deal with it. Ensure you are visiting your dentist regularly to ensure it is detected quickly so avoid the need to aggressive treatments to remove it.
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Gum Disease is associated with heart disease and diabetes.
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Gum Disease is associated with heart disease and diabetes.
If there is large amount of plaque containing bacteria and calculus below the gum line, your hygienist or dentist may suggest medications and additional treatment like curettage and/or root planing.
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Curettage is a procedure whereby diseased tissue is removed from around the tooth. Removing the source of chronic infection and irritation, allows for proper healing to occur.
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Root planing is a more aggressive treatment that involves removing calculus from below the gum line and root surface, leaving it clean, smooth and bacteria free.
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Usually, curettage and root planing are done concurrently by the Registered Dental Hygienist. Local anaesthetic or local lidocaine gel is used without the need of freezing (needles) on occasion to decrease the discomfort. After the treatment, your hygienist will demonstrate proper oral home care maintenance.
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If the gum disease is aggressive and does not respond to the initial treatment, Dr. Jedrzejewski may recommend a consultation with a Periodontist who specializes in gum disease .
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