Prevent periodontal (gum) disease!
Pasadena, Deer Park residents can help prevent periodontal (gum) disease by taking good care of their teeth every day and having regular dental checkups with Dr. Nugent.
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. If you can do three times a day it is even better!! Brushing removes the blanket of bacteria from the teeth. Use a soft- bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Even better, use a high quality electric toothbrush. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride fortify the teeth and help prevent decay. Clean between your teeth every day.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss removes bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Early periodontal (gum) disease can usually be reversed by daily brushing and flossing improvements in oral hygiene.
Eat a balanced diet. Choose as assortment of foods from the basic food groups. Increase fruit and vegetables and decrease sugar consumption.
Visit your dental office regularly. It is important to have regular dental checkups and professional cleaning by one of our awesome dental hygienist. Call our office today for your dental appointment at 713-941-8261. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Discover why Dr. Nugent has been voted Best Pasadena Texas Dentist multiple times.
Deep cleaning (periodontal scaling and root planing)
When patients are displaying symptoms of periodontal disease, periodontal scaling and root planing, often known as a deep cleaning, is performed. Plaque and calculus buildup on the tooth and root surfaces, which results in periodontal disease, causes the gums to swell and the surrounding bone and tissue to deteriorate. Periodontal disease can cause swelling, pain, bleeding gums, foul breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
The Process of Scaling and Root Planing
Two appointments of scaling and root planning are performed. Each visit involves cleaning the left and right halves of your mouth, and you may be given a dental anesthetic (to numb the gum tissue) to make it easier for the hygienist to remove bacteria and calculus accumulation beneath the gum line. A follow up visit is planned to assess home care, assess healing, polish the teeth, and fine scale any discoloration, calculus, or tartar that may have persisted.
Scaling and root planing is frequently sufficient to recover from gum disease. Numerous factors may contribute to inadequate healing or persistent indications of infection in the gum tissue. In certain situations, a patient might be sent for additional care to a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum disease. For additional treatment of these trouble spots, the periodontist may undergo periodontal surgery.
What can I anticipate following root scaling and planning?
Dr. Nugent will numb they gum tissue. The the hygienist can clean out the bacteria and tartar that is below the gum tissue. The plaque and tartar may be broken up with the use of an ultrasonic instrument or hand tools. You will experience some pressure but no actual pain or discomfort because your gums will be numb. Your gums will feel tender, swollen, and possibly achy thereafter. Within a couple of hours, the most difficult part is over.
You might feel a little sensitive while eating for a few days to a week or more, especially if you’re eating anything sweet. To solve this, you could clean the area with a soft material before applying a desensitizing toothpaste to the region surrounding your gums using a Q-tip.
When you brush your teeth, there will be some bleeding, but this should only last a day or two.
