Dental Exams & Cleanings

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

After your first treatment to battle gum disease, Las Vegas dentist Dr. Matthew Wilson may recommend Repetitive Therapy. This is the ongoing maintenance of your gum disease. The purpose of this therapy is to keep the infection from happening again and maintain healthy gums.

Repetitive Therapy (maintenance therapy) aims to prevent the disease from progressing or getting worse. It also protects your gums, teeth, and surrounding jawbone from succumbing to the effects of periodontitis (gum disease). Although preventable, and treatable, gum disease is not curable. However, with routine visits to the dentist that include repetitive therapy, as well as a healthy regimen of at-home oral hygiene efforts, the progression of the disease can be stopped.

The main cause of gum disease is the build-up of oral bacteria and plaque. These have toxins that attack gums, teeth, and jawbone. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Daily brushing and flossing efforts may help reduce the accumulation of tartar. It will not prevent it entirely. Even though, you may receive an initial treatment for your gum disease, Repetitive Therapy is necessary to prevent further complications from the disease.

Not treating your gum disease can lead to a host of oral health, and health issues including:

Bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Uneven bite
TMJ problems
Pain in jaw joints
Difficulty eating or chewing certain foods
Poor nutrition
Impaired speech (from missing teeth)
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
Pre-term birth in pregnant women
Low birth weight in babies
Certain types of cancer
And more!

Furthermore, the bacterium that causes gum disease can be transmitted to other individuals either by kissing or sharing eating and drinking utensils! Parents may even pass this harmful bacterium on to their child by sharing food or kissing their baby on the mouth. This means that gum disease is not only affecting your life but those that you love!

The dentist and dental hygienist will discuss any changes in your health history since your last visit
There will be an examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and possibly X-rays to get an idea of the state of your jawbone
Measurements of your gum pockets around each tooth will be taken
The amount of bleeding from your gum tissue will be assessed
Assessment of current oral hygiene habits are discussed and reassessed, recommendations for changes may be necessary
Checkup of your teeth to detect any decay or bite issues
Possible application of Arestin, an antibiotic, to further treat your gum disease
Follow up for next visit will be scheduled

It depends on the severity of your gum disease, as well as other factors. Some patients may require Repetitive Therapy every few months. Others may be able to go as long as six months before their next treatment.

However, the following factors will determine how often you need to visit the dentist for your Repetitive Therapy:

Type of gum disease affecting your oral health
Previous types of treatment for gum disease
How well you respond to treatments
The rate of plaque buildup
Your commitment to following through with good oral hygiene habits at home

Absolutely! Paying for preventive measures now will save you money and protect you from discomfort later.

Waiting to get treatment until you are on the verge of losing multiple teeth only means you will end up spending a lot more money on extensive dental work to repair or replace your teeth later on. If your insurance does not cover it all, you may need to pay out of pocket for some of your visits. However, it is wise to pay this expense now, rather than for costly repairs later on or to sacrifice your oral health, and confidence.

Again, it depends on the severity of your gum disease. Some patients with extensive gum disease may require laser gum therapy to re-contour their gums or may benefit from the application of Arestin, an antibiotic that kills bacteria causing the gum disease.

If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, you may require restorative dentistry such as a dental bridge or an implant to replace your missing tooth (or teeth).

Also, if decay has developed in your teeth as a result of gum disease, composite (tooth colored) fillings may be necessary to protect your teeth from further decay.

Many other possibilities may occur when treating gum disease. The best way to determine which solution is right for you is to schedule a consultation with us at Inspire Dental of Summerlin.

Dental Exam

Professional Dental Cleaning

Repetitive Therapy

Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson Nevada

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Gum Disease Treatment in Summerlin

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