Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammation and infection of the gum tissues. It includes the stages commonly known as gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
When plaque and tartar are left untreated on teeth and gums, gum disease may develop. You can reduce your risk of gum disease by brushing twice and flossing once every day. You should also have a dental exam and professional cleaning at least twice each year.
Gingivitis includes a variety of mild to moderate symptoms, such as:
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease. In this case, gums begin to pull away from teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gum line. Tooth loss, bone loss, and damage to gums and soft tissues can occur with periodontitis.
The most common treatment for gum disease is known as deep cleaning or scaling and root planing. Our hygienist can perform this gentle and effective removal of tartar, calculus, and infected tissue.
Common risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes. Some medications can also increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. Many recent studies have found that untreated gum disease negatively impacts other aspects of your overall health. This is especially common for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
A frenum (also called frenulum) is a tissue attachment that holds or connects an area such as the tongue, lip, or cheek. Occasionally a frenum might be exceptionally tight, thick, or short, causing oral health problems and may harm speech. In babies, it can cause issues with breastfeeding and swallowing. A frenectomy is a simple surgery to excise the frenum. This procedure generally takes less than fifteen minutes and has minimal post-operative discomfort.
Frenectomies are typically done on infants who have trouble feeding or speaking, but adults may need the procedure as well.
A frenectomy might be recommended to correct a frenum that’s causing:
At Hockley Dental, we implement a soft tissue laser for frenectomy treatments versus other methods. The benefits of using a soft tissue laser include:
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a common dental procedure used to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have gum disease or who have not had a dental cleaning in a long time.
At Hockley Dental, we believe that deep cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Our team of dental professionals is highly trained and experienced in performing this procedure, and we use the latest techniques and technology to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.
The deep cleaning procedure involves two main steps: scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums using specialized dental instruments. This step is typically performed using both manual and ultrasonic instruments, which allow us to remove buildup from below the gum line.
Once the scaling is complete, we move on to root planing. Root planing involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to promote healing and prevent future plaque buildup. This step is typically performed using specialized dental instruments and may take longer than the scaling step.
At Hockley Dental, we take great care to ensure that our patients are comfortable and relaxed during the deep cleaning procedure. We use local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth, and we offer sedation dentistry for patients who are anxious or nervous about the procedure.
After the deep cleaning procedure is complete, we provide our patients with detailed instructions for how to care for their teeth and gums at home. This may include brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommendations for mouthwash and other oral hygiene products.
At Hockley Dental, we believe that deep cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral health.
