Hygiene & Periodontics
The world looks brighter from behind a smile
What To Expect
At Billings Family Dentistry, we are committed to maintaining your gum health through our specialized periodontic services. From deep cleanings and scaling and root planing to advanced treatments for gum disease, our expert team provides comprehensive care to prevent and treat periodontal issues.
By utilizing cutting-edge technology and tailored treatment plans, we help preserve your gum health and enhance the longevity of your teeth. Trust our dedicated professionals to deliver exceptional periodontal care and support your overall oral health.
What is Periodontics
The periodontium is made up of gums, root surface, connective tissue attachments, and bone. When healthy, the gums are pale pink, firm, and immobile, with a smooth or stippled texture. The tissue between teeth is shaped like a pyramid ending in a peak. Even in healthy mouths, the crevice between the gum and the tooth is teeming with bacteria, but they tend to be harmless. The crest of the supporting bone, which can be viewed on x-rays, is normally two millimeters below the point where the crown of the tooth meets the root (the cementoenamel junction).
Periodontal disease refers to a group of problems that arise in the gums, usually because of an increase in quantity and change in the type of bacteria. These diseases are generally divided into two groups: gingivitis, which causes wounds that affect the gums; and periodontitis, which damages the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth.
Some symptoms of Periodontal disease are:
- Bad taste in mouth
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Calculus (brown, hard deposits) on tooth surface
Our Treatments
Probing
Probing is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. This essential step helps identify gum disease and assess the health of your periodontal tissues, guiding appropriate treatment.
Deep Scaling
Deep scaling is a thorough cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This procedure is crucial for treating periodontal disease, preventing further infection, and promoting healthy gums.
Preventative Dentistry
- Oral exams
- Radiographs
- Prophylaxis (To maintain healthy gum and bone tissue)
Root Planing
Root planing smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, removing any bacterial toxins and calculus. This treatment helps gums reattach to teeth, reducing periodontal pockets and halting the progression of gum disease.