Regular teeth cleanings prevent gum disease, staining and bad breath. Our hygienists also provide education on dental hygiene and oral health.
A professional teeth cleaning Louisville KY removes plaque-a soft film that can be brushed away-and tartar, which is hard and requires special tools for removal. We clean all surfaces of the teeth, including tiny spaces between teeth and along the gum line where bacteria collect.
Prophylaxis Paste
Dental prophy paste is a gritty toothpaste that is used to remove plaque, salivary pellicle and extrinsic staining from the crowns of teeth during routine cleaning procedures. It can also be used to polish the teeth for improved appearance. The abrasive particles in these pastes are usually less aggressive than those in dentifrices. Pumice and aluminum oxide are the most common abrasives, but some contain softer, more finely ground materials such as calcium carbonate or zirconium silicate.
This specialized polishing paste is designed to remove surface discolorations and prevent the buildup of tartar. It is used in conjunction with professional dental cleanings, which are recommended every three or six months. It can be used on natural teeth, composites and glass ionomer restorations. The splatter-free formula is easy to handle and contains 1.23% fluoride. It is also gluten-free to mitigate allergic reaction. This product is available in four different grits to allow for customization of the amount of abrasion.
Scaling and Root Planing
To prevent cavities, scaling and root planing removes hardened plaque from areas of the tooth that your toothbrush cannot reach. A hygienist will use a handheld dental scaler to chip away the calcified plaque buildup on your teeth above and below the gum line, as well as on the roots of your tooth.
During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort, but it’s usually not painful. To make the process even more comfortable, we numb your gums and tooth roots with a local anesthetic.
Periodontal scaling and root planning can improve your oral health by removing bacteria that promotes infection. When these bacteria colonize on your gums, it creates pockets that deepen over time and can lead to the destruction of gingival tissue, bone, and other supportive structures around your teeth. These bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and affect your overall health, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. When successful, the scaling and root planing procedure can stop gum disease and prevent it from advancing to more serious complications.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal (gum) treatment is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It removes bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from around the teeth and gum line to prevent tooth decay and bone loss. It also helps to restore lost gum tissue and bone that may have been damaged by gum disease.
Brushing twice a day with an effective toothbrush and daily flossing (without scrubbing) is the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque and tartar, especially in those hard-to-reach areas that regular dental teeth cleaning Louisville KY can’t reach. In addition, having regular dental exams and cleanings allows your dentist to identify any early signs of gum disease and take action before it becomes serious.
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, non-surgical or surgical periodontal treatments can be used to control it. These include scaling and root planing which is a deep cleaning procedure that reduces bacteria below the gum line, bone grafts to regenerate lost tissue, or guided tissue regeneration which uses barrier membranes to encourage new growth of healthy gum tissues.
Oral Cancer Screening
One adult in the United States dies every hour from oral cancer. Because this form of cancer is often not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage, screenings are essential to ensure that cancer is caught in its early stages.
During an oral cancer screening, a dentist will examine the mouth for lesions, spots, bumps and other abnormalities. They will also feel along the inside of your cheek and lips for any hard or rough patches.
A clinical examination is usually sufficient, but a more thorough exam can be done using a device called VELscope. This device shines a blue light that causes precancerous or cancerous tissue to fluoresce. It is a useful diagnostic tool that can be used in conjunction with other testing, such as exfoliative cytology or brush biopsy. If any lesions, spots or lumps are found, the dentist will implement a treatment plan. This may include a biopsy, surgery or radiation therapy.
Leave feedback about this