The standard of care has changed.

Dental hygiene is changing – both in focus, technique and instrumentation.

Latest instruments are ultrasonics and sub gingival irrigation. 

1.      Healthy tissues do not bleed.

2.      Need toxin disruption – eliminate bacteria from pockets.

3.      Bacteria attach to biofilm Not Cementum.  Ultrasonics wash biofilm away that is left with hand instruments.

Benefits of Ultrasonics with irrigation over hand instrumentation

a.       Cementum is left intact.

b.      Calculus is removed.

c.       Antimicrobials kill bacteria and detoxify pocket.  The tissues don’t shrink and the pockets heal from the bottom up.

d.      Reduces risk factors for systemic problems

Example- STROKE – bacterial endotoxins bring on clotting factor.

e.       Ultrasonics produce a smoother surface more conservatively.

Past thinking was that calculus was a mechanical irritant responsible for perio disease.  However periodontal disease is a bacterial infection and it can accumulate in porous calculus.

The focus changes from calculus removal to controlling periodontal infection (bacterial) and a shift from hand instrumentation to ultrasonics.

Scaling and root planning are replaced by complete debridement.

-leads to higher quality of care.
- enhances value of preventive services.

Goal is to Eliminate Microbes or Bacteria (debridement).

Debridement – Not just scaling and root planning which refer to just the tooth surface but also the pocket space, wall and underlying tissues are treated.

Debridement as a vaccine – Bacteria entering the bloodstream during instrumentation stimulate production of antibody and thus protect the person against perio disease, therefore routine hygiene visits.

Periodontal disease is controllable Not curable.

Periodontal disease is episodic, it comes and goes.

This infection will not go away without treatment. 

HEALTHY GUMS DON’T BLEED

HYGIENE NEWS FLASH

Bacteria in plaque has been linked to several health concerns including heart diseases, lung infections, diabetes, weakened immune systems, tooth loss, and even some forms of acne. Evidence is mounting that the reduction of these bacteria can help increase your chances for a long and happy life. Since this office started focusing on eliminating as much of these bacteria as possible with the use of "micro-sonics" and "anti-microbials", we have noticed a dramatic improvement in the oral health of our patients. Plaque bacteria threatens your teeth, gums, and also dental restorations and cosmetic work. Regular hygiene treatments with anti-microbial irrigation and diligent home care can help you maintain good health and keep a whiter, brighter smile for a lifetime.