To fight periodontal disease, we need to reduce plaque, tartar, and the number of bacteria in the pockets in your mouth. One device we use to remove calculus from teeth is an ultrasonic scaler. It consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small, quick vibrations in combination with a water flow give us a whole new level of effectiveness in calculus removal. The benefits of ultrasonic scaling include:
Ultrasonic scaling removes calculus and reduces the number of harmful bacteria below the gum line. It is an important tool in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Extensive reviews of the literature have been conducted regarding the use of power-driven scalers or manualscalers for root debridement. Results confirmed that calculus and plaque removal can be performed equally well with either manual or power-driven scalers. The data showed that root damage can occur with either manual or powered scalers if the instruments are used at the incorrect angle with excessive force, but that with proper use little damage is observed on the root surfaces.
Gum surgery, or periodontal surgery, is a procedure to treat the gingiva, the soft tissues of the mouth that surround the necks of a person’s teeth and support the bone. There are several different types of gum surgery procedures.
Gum surgery is generally performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gums and supporting bone. Patients may be asked to undergo a thorough cleaning of the teeth prior to the procedure. In nearly all gum surgeries, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums so the patient feels little or no pain or discomfort during the surgery.
Following gum surgery, a special periodontal dressing is placed over the gums and left there for about 10 to 14 days. This acts as a bandage which protects and soothes the soft tissue making the patients feel more comfortable following surgery. Patients may receive prescriptions for pain medication and a mouthwash such as chlorhexidine (an antimicrobial agent) to prevent infection during the healing period.
Dental X - Rays are a type of picture of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as silver fillings or metal restoration) will block most of the photons and will appear white on developed film. Structures containing air will be black on film, and teeth, tissue, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.
The test is performed in the dentist's office. There are four types of x-rays:
The bitewing is when the patient bites on a paper tab and shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together. The periapical shows one or two complete teeth from crown to root. A palatal or occlusal x-ray captures all the upper and lower teeth in one shot while the film rests on the biting surface of the teeth.
A panoramic x-ray requires a special machine that rotates around the head. The x-ray captures the entire jaws and teeth in one shot. It is used to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and detect jaw problems. A panoramic x-ray is not good for detecting cavities, unless the decay is very advanced and deep.
In addition, many dentists are taking x-rays using digital technology. The image runs through a computer. The amount of radiation transmitted during the procedure is less than traditional methods.