Regular oral hygiene care serves as the foundation for our practice. We strongly believe that maintaning a solid oral hygiene care regimen will yield tremendous results for our patients with respect to their oral health as well as their overall health. We are firm subscribers to prevention – a solid, proactive oral hygiene regimen is as effective a preventative a measure as there is.
At West Park Dental Centre you will receive support and care from our team at the office, however it is important that you also take matters into your own hands. We will encourage and teach you how to take care of your teeth and gums at home through regular brushing and flossing routines. Your efforts at home will make the work that we do together that much more effective.
Complementing your efforts at home should be regular visits with a dental health professional. Our team will assess your overall oral health and assign you an oral hygiene regimen that addresses your unique needs. Below you can find more information about Periodontal Disease and the Scaling & Root Planing procedure.
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in Canadian adults. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in prevention and early detection of gum disease – which sometimes developing without any warning signs.
The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone, and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis (gums disease) and periodontitis (gums and bone disease) are the two main forms of periodontal (gum) disease.
Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque buildup, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far, the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Bacteria release toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond gums to teeth. When this occurs, pockets between the gums and teeth form, and more bacteria and toxins hide, flourish, and destroy your gums and teeth. Over time, this process can affect not only gums, teeth, and bone within the mouth, but also overall health.
Regular dental visits allow us to keep a watchful eye on the health of your gums. You should also brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use good mouth rinses at home. We will recommend the products that will optimize your oral homecare, and we can also show you the best methods for brushing and flossing.
Please call us at 1-905-775-6464 to book your appointment.
Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to tooth structure and is teeming with bacteria. Over time, plaque becomes calcified (hardens) and at this stage, it becomes what is called calculus. Plaque and calculus are actually irritants to the tissues of your mouth. The reaction of your body to the irritants and the subsequent gum inflammation, gum recession, bleeding and eventual bone loss around the teeth constitute periodontal (gum) disease. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis (which is reversible) and is characterized by bleeding gums, especially when one brushes and flosses. If the disease is not addressed, it will progress to periodontitis, which is far more destructive, and is characterized by further gum deterioration, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
Scaling and root planning are the most common form of treatment for periodontal disease. Scaling removes calculus (also called tartar) and plaque from the tooth surface above and below the gum line. Root planning smoothes the root's surface and removes any remaining calculus. When the amount of plaque and calculus to remove is extensive, the dentist will numb the area to make the procedure comfortable for you. A combination of sonic and hand instruments are used in the procedure. The sonic instruments remove the large deposits of plaque and calculus. Hand instruments are then used to remove any remaining tartar and ensure all surfaces of the crown and root are clean and free of bacteria. Sensitivity and soreness may be present a few days following treatment and usually can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A follow-up visit is usually scheduled for four weeks following treatment to check the improvement of gingival status, and regular intervals (3 month and 6 month intervals are typical) thereafter to monitor the disease. The goals are to eliminate the active inflammation caused by bacteria and reduce the periodontal pockets around the teeth so they cannot trap plaque or calculus thus maintaining the present bone height around the teeth.
Please call us at 905-775-6464 to schedule your hygiene appointment.
