Dr. Hooie 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. Donald G. Hooie, DDS, in Crossville, TN, 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 Crossville, TN office you will receive prophylaxis. 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 scale 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 scaling and planing on the root of the tooth below the gum line. At Dr. Hooie’s dental practice we always take care to ensure your dental hygienist is very gentle while she performs this, and many patients feel no pain as the instruments 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 Crossville contact our office today.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
At Donald G. Hooie, DDS in Crossville, TN our office is equipped with ultrasonic tooth cleaning technology to accompany prophylaxis, periodontal mainteneces, and scaling and root planing. Dr. Hooie 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 an instrument 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 calculus (tartar) deposits than hand scaling alone. It will smooth out bumps and divots in the surface to prevent buildup. For ultrasonic cleaning in the Crossville contact Donald G. Hooie, DDS for an expertly performed procedure.
Crown Lengthening
At Donald G. Hooie, DDS, located in Crossville, TN, crown lengthening is a procedure that can be performed as a preventative measure against periodontal infections, and is implemented in response to repeated infection or due to large cavities at the gum line. The procedure is an effective option for those patients who have oversized gums covering a large portion of the crown. They often have problems maintaining their oral health because the extra gum tissue makes many more tight spaces that can trap food, breeding bacteria and infection. The procedure is quite simple, and the patient is numbed to remove this tissue, usually with a laser. As this is happening Dr. Hooie shapes a smooth and symmetrical gum line with significantly less space so that it will be resistant to infection. For an experienced performer of crown lengthening in Crossville. contact Dr. Hooie at Donald G. Hooie, DDS.
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 regular maintainence at Donald G. Hooie, DDS as recommended. 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. Hooie will use a special laser to go below the gum line 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. Hooie, your dentist in Crossville.
Periodontal Maintenance
For those who experience enlarged pockets or other periodontal problems, Donald G. Hooie, DDS provides periodontal maintenance. Under this program, patients are usually scheduled for cleanings every three months. This is important because the severity of damage caused by infection increases exponentially as it progresses, meaning that the majority of damage can be avoided simply by increasing appointments.
Dr. Hooie will typically perform a scaling and root planing to remove any infection below the gum line, take measurements of pocket depth, and perform laser or other treatment to reduce buildup and possible future infections. If you are experiencing painful, swollen, or bleeding gums, contact Donald G. Hooie, DDS for more information regarding our periodontal maintenance program in CrossvilleTN.
