Periodontics
Sometimes as we age, or due to a few years of missed cleanings, the gum tissue around the tooth (perio = around, dontic = tooth) becomes swollen and diseased. Bacteria can thrive in the depths of the pockets that form deep in the gum, break down the bone, and cause teeth to become unsupported and loose. By seeing your hygentists regularly, you can catch this condition before the tooth becomes severely affected. Our hygentists are specialists in diagnosing gum disease. They utilize radiographs, and a small thin probe to document the distance between the gum line and the attachment. Since your toothbrush can only clean around the tooth three millimeters, any findings greater than this amount may require treatment.
Sometimes it is as simple as removing the calculus or hardened plaque from below the gum line. This is known as scaling and root planning. It provides for a healthy smooth root surface, and allows the gum to grow back to normal. In more advance stages of periodontal disease, excess gum tissue must be removed to achieve the desired maintainable results. Ask your hygenist about your gums on your next visit. Have them teach you about this disease.
After all... you don't have to floss all of your teeth... just the ones you want to keep!