Dr. Christensen has several ways to treat periodontal (gum) disease, which is infection to gums or surrounding soft tissue. Caused by a buildup of bacteria, the best way to prevent such infections is to practice good brushing, flossing, and nutrition every day. However, when the infection is too deep more extensive measures are needed. Beginning in small crevices where the tooth meets gum, these infections can appear as only minor swelling or bleeding. As the infection progresses however, it moves deeper below the gum line where it forms large pockets of bacteria in and around the roots of the tooth. Left untreated they will decay the bones of the tooth and jaw, which may require extractions. Central Coast Dental, in Aptos, CA, will do everything possible to keep this from happening by performing one or more of the following procedures.
Scaling/Root Planing
During any regular appointment to our Aptos, CA office you will receive periodontal scaling and root planing. This procedure is done to remove excess plaque and bacteria that has formed on the teeth and around the gum line. Using an ultrasonic scaler, periodontal hand scalers, or curettes, a dental hygienist will carefully scrape along the visible surface of the tooth, which removes any plaque and also helps to smooth the tooth surface so it is more resistant to build up in the future.
Depending on the exact condition of the teeth, such as if infection has set in below the gums, the patient may require a deep cleaning. This involves performing scaling and planing on the root of the tooth below the gum line. At Dr. Christensen’s dental practice we always take care to ensure your dental hygienist is very gentle while he performs this, and many patients feel no pain as the tools gently slip between the tooth and gum, but a mild anesthetic is sometimes used if it helps to relieve patient stress. For scaling and root planing in Aptos, Santa Cruz, or Capitola contact our office today.
Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaning
At Central Coast Dental in Aptos, CA our office is equipped with ultrasonic tooth cleaning technology to accompany scaling and root planing. Dr. Christensen is always watching for new dental technology that can help improve his patient’s oral health, and this is just one of those examples. This equipment is basically a scaler with a special tip that vibrates at a high rate and flushes out bacteria below the gum with water. As the tip glides over the tooth surface it is much more effective at removing hard buildup and calcium deposits than hand scaling alone. It will smooth out bumps and divots in the surface to prevent buildup. For ultrasonic cleaning in the Aptos, Santa Cruz, and Capitola areas contact Central Coast Dental for an expertly performed procedure.
Laser Treatment
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection affecting the gums. This is brought on by plaque buildup on the teeth, as well as food particles left by improper brushing. While they may start as a relatively minor irritation, these infections can quickly become more serious as they deteriorate the gums and other supporting tissues. For this reason it is vitally important to prevent these infections from forming, and the best way is by scheduling six months cleanings at Central Coast Dental. When the infections are too deep, they cannot be treated with regular brushing. In these cases the gums must be opened and the infection removed via periodontal surgery.
To avoid this intensive procedure, a new technology using laser therapy is available. During this procedure Dr. Christensen will use a special laser to penetrate the gums and kill the infection. This has a dramatically reduced healing period since there is no physical cutting of gum tissue, and is therefore very beneficial to the patient. For laser treatment of periodontal disease, contact Dr. Christensen, your dentist in Aptos, Santa Cruz, and Capitola.