Periodontal expertise in Trois-Rivières
How periodontal disease develops
Our mouth is full of bacteria. Tartar, among other things, is hardened dental plaque. Plaque usually builds up when food residue and the many bacteria are not properly removed by brushing. Tartar can be visible and sit on the tooth.
However, it can also settle under the gum and damage the tissues that support the tooth. So visit Centre Dentaire Alain Isabelle for periodontal treatment in Trois-Rivières. Invisible and painless, tartar under the gum can create spaces called “pockets.” That is when periodontal disease can develop, destroying the gum and the bone around the tooth. In severe cases, teeth can become loose and even fall out.
Gum treatment: root planing
The dental hygienist is not always able to remove tartar all the way down to the bottom of periodontal pockets. That is why we need to perform root planing on the affected areas. Root planing means scraping the tartar under the gum with instruments similar to those used during a standard cleaning. Done under local anesthesia, root planing is comfortable and painless. The hygienist and the dentist can then smooth the tooth to remove the virulent tartar bacteria that cause bone loss around the teeth. They then use a laser to disinfect the affected areas. For patients who fear anesthesia, the Centre Dentaire Alain Isabelle team is now trained to treat gums without anesthesia.
Factors that promote tartar buildup
- How well you brush: the less plaque we have in our mouth, the less tartar is likely to harden.
- Saliva: some people get more tartar even though they brush several times a day.
- Saliva pH can play an important role.
- Medication: some medications reduce saliva in the mouth and promote plaque and therefore tartar. People who take medication regularly are also more prone to cavities.
- Smoking
Contact our dental clinic for all your periodontal needs in Trois-Rivières.