Dental Hygiene

At Sala Family Dentistry we have a wonderful group of highly trained hygienists who can effectively treat all of your dental health needs. This group has received extensive education in managing your oral health, and their therapy is outstanding. We can treat your needs painlessly and efficiently covering all ranges of health from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis (gum disease).  

Our dental hygiene department puts an emphasis on preventative care.  We encourage the use of topical fluoride at regular cleanings for children and adults to help prevent tooth decay and to reduce or eliminate sensitivity in teeth.

Gum Health

Our office performs an analysis of not just the teeth, but also the gums and bone. The dentist and hygienist will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums through the use of screening x-rays, intra-oral photographs, gum measurements, oral cancer screenings and jaw joint evaluations.  

A periodontally healthy patient is one whose gums don’t bleed with brushing and flossing. If they do, chances are your gums aren’t healthy and you may have one of the stages of periodontal disease:

GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums (not the bone). It develops as toxins in plaque irritate gums, making them red, tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily. It can usually be eliminated by daily brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and regular dental cleanings.

PERIODONTITIS
Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease, called periodontitis. There are several forms of periodontitis, with the most common being chronic adult periodontitis.

Periodontitis occurs when toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor teeth into the bone. The gum line recedes, which can become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch. Also, the gum “pockets” deepen, which may indicate that a detailed cleaning below the gumline is necessary to remove the tartar deposits and bacterial colonies that form on the tooth root surfaces. In most cases, we can comfortably anesthetize the patient for this procedure without a needle! We may also recommend local antibiotic therapy which is gently placed below the gumline to sterilize the “pocket” and assist in healing the infected area.  We work with you to give you the tools and the knowledge necessary to care for your teeth and gums at home to prevent future problems with gum disease.

Depending on your level of periodontal health, our office will make a recommendation as to how often your teeth should be professionally cleaned, and what type of cleaning is most appropriate for you.

 

Because of recent accumulated research, a patient’s periodontal status is NOT to be ignored. Many studies have established a link between periodontal disease and incidence of heart attack, stoke, coronary artery disease, diabetes, pre-term deliveries with low birth weight babies, pneumonia and bacterial endocarditis.  A chemical called “C-Reactive Protein” is a marker of inflammation found in the body of a person with untreated periodontal disease. High levels of C-Reactive Protein are also found in persons with the above mentioned life-threatening systemic conditions. Additionally, diabetic patients with active periodontal disease may have a more difficult time controlling their blood glucose levels. These are just a small sampling of reasons why routine visits to your dentist for cleaning and exams aren’t to be taken lightly!

 

Oral Cancer Prevention
Sala Family Dentistry understands the importance of detecting oral cancer early.  If caught early enough, this form of cancer is one of the most curable.

An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life.

Give us a call today to schedule your new patient appointment!