At AbCom Family Dental, our patients are seen at every 3, 4, or 6 month intervals because our hygienists are thoroughly trained to detect and treat problems before a patient knows a problem exits.

At AbCom Family Dental, Prevention is a goal we strive to achieve. 

Prevention is so important….gingivitis and periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss.

Routine and regular visit to the dentist and your dental hygienist is the best way to detect and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

HEALTHY GUMS DON’T BLEED

Tooth and Gum Trouble

Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film (plaque) on teeth and gums-----

If not removed, this film hardens into a crust (tartar, also called calculus).  A buildup of plaque and tartar can cause an infection called periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss. 

What are the symptoms?

Because periodontal disease attacks beneath the gum line, you could have an infection and not know it.  And while there are usually a few signs and symptoms of the disease-red, swollen, or bleeding gums; loose teeth; gums that bleeds upon brushing----some people experience no symptoms at all.

Any member of your dental healthcare team—your dentist or your hygienist—can determine whether you have periodontal disease by measuring the size of your pockets, or the spaces or gaps in the gums around the teeth.  This is done with a special instrument that is much like a tiny ruler.  Pockets that measure 4 or more millimeters (mm) in depth, and/or gums that bleed during probing, may mean that infection is present.

Your Evaluation—Periodontal Probing

Your hygienist determines how advanced your periodontal disease is and how much damage have been done.  Your gums are looked at for bleeding and swelling. Your teeth are checked for looseness and sensitivity.  Full mouth x-rays help show if there is bone loss around your teeth.

Periodontal probing helps measure how advanced your disease is.  During probing, a tool (probe) measures the space (called the pocket) between each tooth and the surrounding gum.  The deeper the pocket, the more severe the problem. 

ARESTIN is a powder that is placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after the dental professional finishes the scaling and root planning procedure. It is added to scaling and root planning (SRP) procedures because it treats periodontal disease more effectively than SRP alone

What Are Your Numbers

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