Your family dentist can provide much more than routine dental care. A family dentist in Greenbelt can provide you with a full range of dental services and treatments that help you maintain your teeth and gums.

Moreover, a family dentist can help identify and treat problems with your teeth, which could lead to oral pain, abscesses, tooth decay, or loss of an infected tooth. They also make getting the very best dental care possible highly accessible. 

While attending to your dental needs every six months for an annual checkup and cleaning is always a good idea, you shouldn’t limit your family dentist’s services to such basic procedures. In fact, a family dentist can meet your needs for routine, preventive, and restorative dentistry.

Here are the 6 amazing benefits of having a family dentist.

• Help you get rid of dental anxiety

Many people feel nervous and uncomfortable when visiting the dentist. Because the same dental office provides a range of services, a family dentist can take care of your basic needs, so you’ll feel at ease. In fact, you’ll have the opportunity to get acquainted with your dental team before undergoing treatments, and this will help you reduce your dental anxiety.

• More convenience

Because they’re familiar with your needs and problems, family dentists are more likely than other dentists to provide early detection of potential health problems that could cause pain or abscessed teeth. This ensures you’re more comfortable getting dental procedures like implants and crowns done, and that you are treated with the right amount of pain medicine.

• A family dentist will know your dental history

A family dentist will check the progression of your dental problems, and they will keep a record of your dental health. They know how much teeth have decayed and how well you do at brushing and flossing, and they will be familiar with your responses to the treatments needed.

• Provide regular and consistent services

A family dentist can provide regular dental checkups and treatments. This enables you to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Moreover, they can treat your dental problems before they worsen or lead to serious oral issues.

• Preventative care

A family dentist can educate you so that you can prevent problems before they occur. The dentist will ask about your lifestyle and habits, and explain how to care for your teeth to keep them in tip-top shape. A family dentist can also give you tips on how to maintain good oral health, such as how often to brush and floss for the best results.

• Lasting relationship

When you have a family dentist, you can count on consistent care from someone who knows what your dental needs are. You’ll build a relationship with someone who is familiar with you and your family’s dental health.

Periodontal disease is a form of progressive gum disease that is usually caused due to bacterial infiltration. It may begin as a simple gum inflammation (gingivitis), and may gradually progress to affect the supporting tissues of the gums, and the underlying alveolar bone (periodontitis).

Jackson Heights dental office consists of highly qualified dental surgeons who master the skill of detecting early gum changes and are involved in patient awareness about different types of periodontal disease. 

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss

Periodontal disease occurs due to the buildup of plaque, and bacterial infiltration. This leads to the secretion of toxins that attack the gum tissues forming gingival pockets. As the bacteria breeds through the gingival tissues the pockets grow deeper invading the alveolar bone, thus receding the affected gum tissues. If left untreated, this causes loss of attachment and tooth mobility. 

How can periodontal disease be categorized?

There are a variety of periodontal diseases according to the severity of the condition. 

Gingivitis

• This is the most common and mildest form of periodontitis, where the infection is confined to the gums.
• Gingivitis commonly occurs due to pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, stress, certain medications (antihypertensive drugs), and birth control pills. 
• Treatment includes:
  • Home care: Proper brushing and flossing
  • Professional cleaning: Scaling and root planing
  • Antibiotics: To kill bacteria
  • Medicated mouthwash: To promote healing of the gingival pockets

Chronic periodontal disease 

• This type of periodontal disease exhibits inflammation below the gum line, with destruction of the gingival and bone tissues. 
• You are likely to experience a gum recession.
• Treatment includes:
  • Scaling and root planing
  • Antimicrobial medications
  • Pocket reduction surgery
  • Gum tissue grafting 

Aggressive periodontal disease

• This is the most severe form that is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment and bone tissues. 
• Smoking and family history are common risk factors that may increase the likelihood of aggressive periodontal disease. 
• Treatment includes scaling and root planing. However, surgical intervention and laser procedures are the suggested mode of treatment in most cases. 

Necrotizing periodontal disease

• This form of disease is more prevalent among people suffering from HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, and chronic stress.
• Tissue death affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues, and alveolar bone. 
• Treatment includes:
  • Scaling and root planing
  • Antibiotics
  • Medicated mouthwash
  • Antifungal drugs

Periodontal disease related to systemic health conditions

• Periodontal disease could be a symptom of any health condition affecting the rest of the body. 
• Diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease are the most common cofactors that intensify gum disease. 
• Treatment usually includes controlling the onset of the underlying health condition. 

Periodontal disease, though the most prevalent gum disease, can be effectively cured if detected early. This is possible through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. 

Visits to the dentist every six months are essential not only to guarantee your long-term dental health but also to minimize the risk of dental emergencies. These appointments usually consist of professional cleaning of the teeth that eliminates tartar (hardened plaque) which can lead to oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and poor breath, among others An office of dental care in Brookline can help.

Dental Exam

Most hygienists conduct an oral examination before cleaning the teeth, as it may disclose the need for a full-mouth debridement instead of standard teeth cleaning of the exposed portion of the teeth (above the gum line). Expect the following during a standard oral evaluation:

• Physical examination of your mouth’s condition. This entails a thorough examination of your teeth, tongue, lips, mouth, and mandible.  

• Periodontal probing – examining gum health through a physical exam and measuring the depth of gum cavities

• Normal dental cleansing does not necessitate X-rays. But your dentist might suggest they evaluate the extent of tooth erosion within or between impacted teeth. Depending on the results, you may need to schedule scaling and root planing alongside your teeth cleansing. 

Oral Hygiene 

A dental hygienist will scrub your teeth employing special instruments to remove tartar, a procedure known as scaling, following the examination. Following this, the teeth are going to be polished with a gritty substance. This technique is used to eliminate any discoloration on the surface. The hygienist will then use dental floss to clear the space between your teeth. 

To guarantee your ideal dental health, you may require additional services, including:

• Gingival irrigation entails spraying a stream of medicinal water in the issue areas to eliminate bacteria hidden in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to access with a toothbrush or floss to eliminate food debris and collected bacteria. This decreases the size of gum pockets and enhances overall oral health. 

• Fluoride varnish – a dental professional might suggest fluoride treatment to remineralize teeth with extremely thin enamel, to treat hypersensitivity caused by enamel erosion, or to prevent cavities. 

• Remember that your oral health is linked to your overall health. Consequently, during your dental exam, the hygienist is able to recognize the symptoms of specific illnesses and diseases, such as a lack of nutrients, diabetes, and hormonal irregularities, and suggest what should be done to help manage them and resolve the issue. 

Speak to a dentist! 

It is always a good idea to seek help from a dentist. During your dental exam and cleaning, your dentist will guide you on how to proceed and provide aftercare tips.