Advanced Dental Hygiene

Not your average dental visit!

More than just regular check–ups and cleanings, Dr. Caughey’s standard for preventive care is higher than many other dentists. Special attention is given to each patient’s unique dental condition. By using time tested procedures for teeth cleaning alongside newer technology, our hygienist provides comprehensive plaque control and disease detection.

Most people are not aware that at every hygiene visit we screen for oral cancer and periodontal disease. In addition to cavity detection, we pay close attention to our patients’ periodontal health. By establishing a baseline of measurements at the gumline, we are able to track any changes that occur in your periodontal health. And there’s a compelling reason why. Recent scientific studies show evidence that the same bacteria found in gum disease is found in the plaque of diseased coronary blood vessels.

Our periodontal therapies are designed to reverse early periodontal involvement and to control periodontal disease that may already exist.

Most people think of their visit with the hygienist as just a regular cleaning, but we see it as an opportunity to help you to become your healthiest. Many patients remark that they have never experienced such thorough, comfortable treatment. We think you’ll agree!

Gum Disease FAQ

Why are healthy gums so important?

Without your gums to hold your teeth in place, your smile would be nonexistent. Healthy gums are the first step to complete oral health, and are most often the place where we start any dental treatment with our new patients.

Today, more people lose teeth from periodontal disease than cavities. We want any restorative treatment placed in your mouth to last, and healthy gums are critical for that to happen.

The bacteria that causes periodontal disease is also increasingly linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, circulatory problems and premature and low birth-weight babies. As you can see, our concerns are for your overall health, not just your teeth.

How prevalent is periodontal disease?

Over 85% of the population has some level of periodontal or gum disease at one point in their lives. How can so many people suffer from this problem? Easy. Often it is misdiagnosed or simply ignored. At our office, we use advanced training and technology to diagnose and treat periodontal disease before it becomes a major threat to your health.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Often there are no symptoms at all until it’s too late. Gums can recede, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay, abscesses, and tooth loss all without any bleeding or tenderness. However, many people at least have minor symptoms, which can include the following:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Puffiness or tenderness of the gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Loose–feeling teeth

What advanced methods do you use to treat periodontal disease?

A variety of new technologies, such as ultrasonic scalers, make the treatment of this disease more thorough and comfortable than ever before. Antibiotics can be applied directly to the gums to help kill the bacteria that cause the disease. In short, this disease is treatable, even at an advanced stage, to help you retain your teeth and improve your overall health.