Staten Island Dentist
As part of an overall strategy to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, we at DiBona & Scamardella Dental Studio recommend that you come in twice every year for a dental cleaning. Along with a dental exam and x-rays taken by our Staten Island dentist, a thorough dental cleaning eradicates any remaining plaque, its hardened form tartar (which can only be removed with a professional cleaning), and any food particles. Why is this important? A nutritious diet that limits sugar, brushing after meals, and daily flossing go a long way toward preventing plaque formation and removing it from your mouth so that it cannot cause tooth decay and gum disease. But plaque is sneaky. It hides between teeth and in gum pockets, where some it can evade the reach of your toothbrush and your dental floss. So, consider a dental cleaning to be routine and needed maintenance. Even if you have signs of gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease, in most cases a dental cleaning is sufficient to reverse it. Sometimes, though, a second dental cleaning may be required.
The real problem comes when you skip your twice-yearly dental cleaning with our Staten Island dentist. Plaque and tartar will continue to cause difficulties, including the formation of cavities and the progression of gum disease. The more advanced stages is called periodontitis. At this point, inflammation and even infection may be likely. You might notice symptoms that include persistent bad breath, gums that are very red, and possibly even loose teeth. A dental cleaning won't do the trick. Instead, you will need a periodontal cleaning.
Scaling and root planing is the name for this type of cleaning. Our
Staten Island dentist will use ultrasonic tools, hand scraping tools, or both, to dig down deep to your roots and clean out the offending materials to relieve the inflammation and/or infection. After a periodontal cleaning, your gums will start to heal over time and regain their strength. The surest sign of healthy gums is a vibrant pink color. With a dental cleaning every six month, you should be able to avoid ever needing a periodontal cleaning. But if you do, it should be reassuring to know that there is a way to resolve things and get your gums back to a state of well-being once again.
646 Willowbrook Road
Staten Island, New York, 10314
(718) 502-9006
By DiBona & Scamardella Dental Studio
February 25, 2016
Blog Posts
