Cleanings & Gum Treatments
Your Trustworthy Snoqualmie Family & Cosmetic Dentist

Cleanings

Dental prophylaxis, commonly called “teeth cleaning”, is a routine and preventative procedure to check gum (“periodontal”) health and to remove calculus (“tartar” or mineralized bacterial plaque) buildup on teeth. For many patients, having prophylaxis twice a year can help prevent the development of gum disease. The procedure includes tooth scaling, polishing, and debridement. This involves the use of ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments to loosen and remove bacterial buildup on teeth.

Gum Treatments

The symptoms of gingivitis are somewhat non-specific and manifest in the gum tissue as the classic signs of inflammation:

• Swollen gums
• Bright red or purple gums
• Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
• Bleeding gums or bleeding after brushing or flossing

Additionally, the stippling that normally exists on the gum tissue of some individuals will often disappear and the gums may appear shiny when the gum tissue becomes swollen and stretched over the inflamed underlying connective tissue. The accumulation may also emit an unpleasant odor.

When the gingiva are swollen, the epithelial lining of the gingival crevice becomes ulcerated and the gums will bleed more easily with even gentle brushing, and especially when flossing.

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