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Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to help you learn more about dentistry. We often get asked questions from concerned patients and we share the most common questions and answers here.

1. What is tartar and plaque?
2. What is scaling and root planing, aka SRP?
3. What is gum disease?
4. What causes gum disease?
5. What are common symptoms of gum disease?
6. What are pockets?
7. What are the benefits of using an electric rotary toothbrush
8. Is it really important for me to have regualr checkups and hygiene care?

What is tartar and plaque?

Plaque is defined by the American Dental Association as a sticky film of bacteria. These bacteria can attack the enamel of the teeth as well as the supporting structures. Plaque can form on teeth, gums, tongue, roof of mouth, and cheeks. Plaque can easily be removed with proper brushing and flossing.

Once plaque is allowed to attach itself to the teeth it begins to calcify. If this plaque is allowed to completely calcify without being removed it can no longer be removed by conventional home care methods. At this point the plaque has become tartar, also known as calculus.

The removal of calculus is a procedure performed by your dental hygientist. This procedure is called scaling or in such cases that periodontal disease is present, scaling and root planing (SRP).

Plaque is the number one dental disease initiating factor. Plaque causes dental decay as well as periodontal disease.

What is scaling and root planing, aka SRP?

Scaling and root planing is a procedure used to effectively treat periodontal disease. Unlike a prophy (healthy mouth cleaning), SRP requires cleaning the surfaces of the teeth subgingivally (below the gumline) and includes the root surfaces. Plaque and calculus deposits are removed in order to promote healing of the gingival tissues.

What is gum disease?

Gum (also known as periodontal) disease affects 95% of all adults. Periodontal disease is defined by the American Dental Association as an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. Gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums.

Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket; generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

The most common cause of periodontal disease is plaque. 

What causes gum disease?

• Tobacco smoking or chewing
• Systemic disease such as diabetes
• Some types of medications, such as steriods, birth control pills, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, and some calcium channel blockers
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Fillings that have become defective

What are common symptoms of gum disease?

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth or receded
• Pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed
• Permanent teeth are loose or separating
• Changes in the way your teeth fit when biting
• Any changes in fit of partial dentures
• Persistent bad breath

What are pockets?

A pocket represents the amount of attachment between the tooth and the gum. If gum tissue is not tightly attached to the tooth, plaque is allowed to occupy that space.

Brushing and flossing can removed plaque from a healthy pocket. A pocket no greater than 3mm deep is considered healthy. Pockets measuring greater than 3mm cannot be cleaned efficiently by conventional home care methods, therefore plaque remains in this area until it is removed by your dental hygientist.

Until plaque is removed from the pocket, further loss of attachment occurs making deeper pocket depths and allowing progression of periodontal disease.

What are the benefits of using an electric rotary toothbrush

1. University studies have demonstrated the superiority of the rotary toothbrush in removing plaque from the teeth along the gumline
2. It is designed like the professional hygiene equipment used in the dental office and functions in the same manner.
3. The soft, rotating brushes gently clean with tooth by tooth precision, and are capable of cleaning areas that are difficult, if not impossible, for conventional and electric toothbrushes. 

 

Dr. Pitts specifically prescribes the Rotadent, a professional level rotary toothbrush.  The Rotadent is clinically proven to remove 92% of plaque in the first minute if use. It reduces tooth loss better than manual brushing and flossing.  The Rotadent is very user friendly and best of all, comes with a lifetime warranty that our office will mail off for you!

Is it really important for me to have regualr checkups and hygiene care?

Yes, regular checkups are very important. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may not remove all the plaque, especially around the gum line. Plaque can harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tartar. Once hardened, it can be removed only in the dental office during your regular hygiene care visit. 

In addition to the removal of calculus and education in proper home care techniques, cavities or other conditions can be caught earlier, avoiding costly restorations down the road.