Non-Surgical Options - Modesto, CA
Healthier Gums Without SurgeryMinimally Invasive Gum Treatments
Gum disease may start as simple inflammation and redness. If left untreated, it can have very serious consequences that affect your oral health and your overall health. However, if we catch it at an early stage, there are minimally invasive treatment options. At Central Valley Periodontics & Implants we offer effective non-surgical treatments for gum disease to prevent it from becoming serious. Focused on deep cleaning, these minimally invasive treatments are helping patients beat gum disease in Modesto, CA every day.
As a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Clarke Filippi has distinguished himself among periodontists by achieving board certification. This honor is an acknowledgment from the leading authority in periodontology that Dr. Filippi has exceeded the minimum educational requirements of the field. Always expanding his expertise in the latest techniques and technologies through continuing education, he can treat you without resorting to surgery.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Still in the early stages of gum disease? Dr. Filippi can diagnosis the severity of your gum disease. He will advise you whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive options to give you a healthy mouth once again.
Scaling and Root Planing
Depending on the severity of the disease, Dr. Filippi may recommend beginning gum disease treatment with scaling and root planing. Scaling is a process in which plaque, tartar (calculus) and staining is removed from above the gumline. Root planing is when tartar is removed from below the gumline and the roots are smoothed. Since bacteria can hide and grow in even the smallest tooth crevices, this is less likely to occur when the roots are smooth. Once scaling and root planing are completed, the gums have the ability to reattach to the tooth root. Once this process is complete, your gums should be able to reattach to your teeth.
Periodontal Maintenance
After surgical or non-surgical gum disease treatment, Dr. Filippi will recommend you have periodontal maintenance. This is a recurring treatment (every three to four months) that will allow Dr. Filippi to help your gums stay healthy. During these appointments you may have additional scaling and root planing as needed to remove any plaque and tartar that has built up since your previous visit which greatly reduce the chances or additional problems.
How To Properly Brush Your Teeth
When brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes concentrating on one area at at time. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Do not forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
How To Floss
Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush (manual or electric) cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18″ long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down about six times on the side of each tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.
To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefinger of both hands. Do not forget the backside of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be cutting the gums or pinching the triangular gum tissue between your teeth. DO NOT “saw” the floss into the gums. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
Caring For Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes before or after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.