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.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year and will cause over 8,000 deaths. This equates to approximately one American dying every hour, every day. Of those 43,250 individuals, only 6/10 will be alive in 5 years. This poor survival rate is due to late detection. Typically, oral cancers are dangerous because they are usually detected late– once it has reached an advanced stage. Fortunately, oral cancer can be diagnosed with an annual cancer exam.
Fluoride is a natural mineral found within the earth. Fluoride is also present in some foods that we eat, such as fish, and also present in our water supply. Fluoride has many benefits for your teeth, but studies have long shown the use of fluoride as an effective agent in reducing tooth decay. Fluoride prevents decay in both teeth that are currently formed as well as in teeth that are still forming in children’s mouths. When teeth start to break down, due to acid demineralization, fluoride can help strengthen the teeth and prevent lose of enamel.
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jaw bone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.
Research has recently proven what dentists have long suspected: that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria, and infection below the gum line. Infections and bacteria in the mouth can spread throughout the body and lead to a host of problematic health issues. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and reducing the progression of periodontal disease through treatment will have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss. It can also save you from the chance of developing another serious condition.
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Dental implant(s) is one of the most successful procedures modern dentistry can offer today. The longevity of an implant-supported restoration depends highly on proper home care and maintenance with your dentist. Unlike a tooth that aches when there is disease, few people realize when their implant is failing because there is often very little pain associated with it. If left unchecked, bone loss can settle in and around an implant rather quickly. Procedures to rebuild lost bone can be extensive and costly. Our goal is to help you maintain your dental implant health and investment for the long term.
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