Skipping the Dentist Can be bad for your Wallet

If you have been avoiding a much-needed dental checkup because you are afraid of what might be found, call, or click now. Avoiding the dentist is only going to make things worse, especially if you already suspect that you are having issues with your teeth and gums.

Skipping your twice-yearly dental checkups is a bad idea, even if you practice good oral hygiene. You may have only had a small cavity when you started to feel that twinge of pain after you took a sip of your morning coffee, but if you left it too long, you may be scheduling an appointment for root canal therapy. Leaving tooth decay to do its own thing isn’t the only problem you may be suffering from if you do not see your dentist on a regular basis.

Without regular cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist, plaque may begin to form in between your teeth and gums. Leftover food can quickly convert to bacteria, which will destroy the enamel on your teeth. If you do not have your dentist clean your teeth, you may need a more advanced treatment such as a deep cleaning.

During a deep cleaning your dentist will use special instruments for Root Scaling and Planing to scrape and smooth the roots of your teeth tooth to get rid of plaque and tartar. Tartar is that hard substance caused by food particles and plaque that only a dentist can remove.

Your twice-yearly dental checkup should also include an oral cancer screening. Early detection is the key when it comes to throat, mouth, and lip and tongue cancer. Ask your dentist if a velscope is used to detect cancers that are invisible to the naked eye.

Keep your mouth healthy and schedule a thorough dental checkup with your dentist today. Waiting until something really hurts is painful for both your tooth and your wallet.

Root Planing and Scaling for Gum Disease

Root Planing and Scaling is a treatment that is used by dentists to prevent the spread of gum disease, and if you are experiencing bleeding gums, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if your periodontal disease can be treated with Root Planing and Scaling.

Oral B explains that Root Planing and Scaling is one of the most effective treatments to halt the progression of periodontal disease stopping it in its tracks before it becomes more severe. Root Planing and Scaling cleans between your teeth and gums down to the roots of your teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar accumulation.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, x-rays will be taken to determine if you are suffering from gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. During your periodontal examination and probing, your dentist will be able to determine how healthy your teeth and gums are. This will help your dentist diagnose gingivitis or periodontal disease while also revealing exposed roots, receding gums, tooth grinding or any other problems that you may be having.

During the examination and probing, your dentist will measure the spaces between your teeth and your gums. If there are concerns regarding the health of your gums, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, or periodontist.

If your dentist decides to perform a Root Planing and Scaling, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the roots of your teeth and your gums. Once you are numb, your dentist may use a standard scraping tool or an ultrasonic tool during the Root Planing and Scaling. Antibiotic fibers may also be placed in the pockets to help speed up the healing process while helping to prevent infection. The fibers will remain for about a week before being removed by your dentist during your next appointment.

Root Planing and Scaling causes very little discomfort, although you may be a bit sore after the treatment.

Gum disease can be serious if left to its own devices causing all kinds of problems including tooth loss. If left untreated your gingivitis can progress to the more serious periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing bleeding, red or swollen gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you need a Root Planing and Scaling treatment.