Our practice recognizes that each patient’s needs are different when it comes to maintaining their dental health. We work closely as a team, and with various specialists to provide you with optimum care.

We combine each individual’s needs, with ADA recommendations to develop a course of treatment. Individual maintenance can vary greatly depending on your history, age, risk for disease, and symptoms.

Prophylaxis (Cleaning)

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Combined with daily brushing and flossing, we recommend 2-3 in-office cleanings per year.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually destroy the bone support of your natural teeth. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include: smoking, diabetes, stress, clenching and grinding, medications, and poor nutrition.

Periodontal disease requires a different treatment approach. Our hygienists treat in-office with a root planing/quadrant scaling procedure. If necessary, we work with a Periodontist to develop a treatment plan for you. Often, your cleanings would alternate between offices, every 3-4 months. Those cleanings are specifically designed to address periodontal disease, and include probing.