Our Comprehensive Periodontal Program is designed to help you and your family take a pro-active complete approach to taking care of your teeth.

A routine hygiene appointment consists of:

* Routine x-rays to detect any cavities between the teeth.
* Scaling, or removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces.
* Polishing the surfaces of the teeth.
* Oral exam and cancer screening by the dentist.

Tooth polishing is a procedure that removes surface stains on the crown (or above the gum line) part of the tooth so they will look and feel cleaner. By making these surfaces smooth, it is more difficult for plaque and food debris to accumulate on your teeth, thereby causing decay or gum disease.

A routine dental cleaning should include the following 3 steps:

* scaling, or removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces
* root planing, or cleaning of perio pockets, to stop further gum problem
* polishing on the surface of the teeth

People should usually go every six months for dental cleaning and check-up. That's twice a year and is what most dental insurance plans cover. But the frequency of recall for dental cleaning really depends on individual cases. Some people tend to have much quick tartar buildup than others. Some might have poor oral hygiene or bad gum situation. And for these people, the rule of thumb is to get professional cleaning more frequently. But do consult with with your dentist.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth". Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed.

Early detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of "pockets" (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. By measuring pocket depth and mobility of the gums and teeth respectively, you dentist can obtain important information on how to treat your mouth and what restorations would work the best for you.

Some signs of periodontal disease are: bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor, receding gums and mobility (movement) of teeth.

Periodontal diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth.

By diligently evaluating and measuring the loss of gum surrounding your teeth, your dentist is able to monitor the amount of the recession you may be experiencing at each check up visit.

It's important to stay informed! A very important part of the our mission is to stay up to date with latest technology advances.

Plus, the more you know about the importance of a healthy smile, the better your dental care! What you do before and after you see the dentist has a tremendous impact on the success of your treatment.