Periodontal Probing

A periodontal examination and probing are used to assess the health of your gums and supporting bone level. This is done by your dentist or dental hygienist at every routine cleaning appointment. The probing examination helps to diagnose Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease, and is only a benefit to you! Your gums may be "poked" every 6 months, but the benefit far outweighs the consequence! 

Healthy Periodontal Evaluation

Periodontal Sulcus Measurement

The space measured is called the sulcus or periodontal pocket (if unhealthy). It is the spot where the gum attaches to the tooth. This space is where plaque and food can accumulate and where flossing occurs. A healthy measurement is 1-3mm deep. A measurement of 4-5mm indicates that some bone loss has occurred, and a measurement of 6mm+ indicates moderate to severe periodontal disease. Healthy gums cling to the tooth, where unhealthy gums tend to swell and pull away from the tooth.

Probing measurements are not the only assessment taken. Bleeding, recession, furcation involvement and mobility are also measured. If bleeding occurs during the probing assessment, this does not mean your dentist or dental hygienist are jabbing your gums. Bleeding indicates infection and stipulates the gums have bacteria present that need to be eliminated. On teeth where multiple roots exist, a furcation (between the roots) is present. If this area is shown, a recording is documented. All of these assessments help to diagnose and determine the severity of Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease. 

Bleeding during Probing

Recession

Furcation Involvement

Repeating these measurements helps to track the progress of the treatment. You may need a common treatment done called Scaling and Root Planing also known as a deep cleaning. The measurements are taken prior to the treatment and then again weeks to months following. If you are heeding your Dental Hygienists recommendations, these measurements can improve depending on the amount of bone that has been lost. 

The periodontal assessment is a very important examination that every Dentist or Dental Hygienist should be performing! It is only to your benefit! Help us help you improve your oral health!

-A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile-

Dental Sealants

What are dental sealants, who should get them and how long do they last? 

These are some really great questions! Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth (usually the back teeth) to prevent tooth decay. Molars and premolars have several grooves, ridges, pits and fissures that plaque and food can get trapped in. Thorough brushing can help reduce this plaque from sticking but toothbrush bristles do not reach all the way down into these grooves.

Sealants are very easy to apply and no injections or numbing is needed! The sealant is placed directly onto the tooth surface which then bonds to the enamel and hardens. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the enamel from acid wear and decay. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected. 

Anyone can have dental sealants placed. However, sealants are more commonly placed on children. As soon as the first permanent tooth erupts, parents should be requesting that a sealant be placed to protect the tooth. Sealants are only needed on teeth with deep grooves and pits. Your dentist will perform a thorough exam to diagnose which teeth will benefit from a dental sealant. 

Dental sealants need to be checked at every dental cleaning visit for chips or cracks. If a dental sealant is chipped, bacteria can accumulate around the edge of the sealant and cause decay. During your dental exam, you may notice your dentist poking at the chewing surface of your teeth. He is checking the grooves and pits for any spot that may be sticky. This will indicate that a cavity has started and needs to be addressed. 

Ask your dentist if dental sealants will benefit you! Always remember to have your teeth professionally cleaned as directed by your dentist or dental hygienist. The sooner a cavity is detected, the quicker and cheaper this tooth can be fixed!

-A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile-