Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health

In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and suggest adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctor and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or night guards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.

If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling or planing. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, (SRP), is a non-surgical procedure in which the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from the pockets, because aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold.

Arestin

Arestin is a prescription product approved by the FDA. It is used together with SRP procedures for the treatment of adult periodontitis. The active ingredient in Arestin is an antibiotic called minocycline. It is available as a powder-like substance that used Microsphere technology. This technology allows extended release of the antibiotic so that it works to kill the bacteria that cause periodontal disease for up to 21 days. Arestin is placed painlessly under the gums, directly in the infected site.

• After the Arestin is placed, avoid touching areas of your gums that have been treated
• Wait 12 hours before brushing, and 10 days before flossing the treated area
• Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as popcorn, caramel, etc. for one week after treatment

When used together with SRP, Arestin can significantly reduce the depth of the infected pockets that can form around teeth and help prevent disease progression. The combination of Arestin and SRP is more effective at fighting periodintal disease than SRP alone. In addition, Arestin has been shown to be particularly effective in patients who are smokers. There is no need for anesthesia or the use of needles when Arestin is placed. Arestin is naturally absorbed into the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed. Arestin does not require bandages, and won't leak.

Please inform your doctor or hygienist if you are allergic to minocycline or tetracycline. Arestin should not be used in children or in patients who are pregnant or nursing.