Periodontal Screening and Treatment
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue.
Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and it is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus. Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the break down of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets all around the tooth extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth will eventually need to be extracted.
All our dental locations (Somers Dental Care, New Canaan Dentistry or Ridgefield Dental Arts) have a hygiene staff devoted to educating our patients on the prevention of periodontal disease.
The hygienist can treat the disease in its early stage which involves scaling and root planning which removes the plaque and calculus under the gum. This procedure done at the early stage of periodontal disease and with proper home care wipe out periodontal disease in its entirety.
