Periodontal Disease

Once proper diagnosis is made, Dr. Ellis uses safe, simple, effective and economical treatments that produces immediate results to eliminate causes and results of periodontal disease and bad breath. Having good oral hygiene, balanced diet and regular dental visits can prevent periodontal disease and be your resource for ending bad breath.

Periodontal Disease: Diagnosis Treatment  Maintenance
Periodontal disease is typically diagnosed seeing red, swollen and bleeding gums. This happens when plaque and tartar are not removed and begin destroying the gums and bone supporting the tooth. Many people have varying cases of periodontal disease and have no warning signs. This is why our hygienist provides curated care to each and every individual patient.
It is not only the number one reason for tooth loss and decay but also research shows that it has a strong link to other diseases such as, strokes, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risks during pregnancy.

Diagnosis: At every regular visit the hygienist will do a periodontal examination to diagnosis any suspect areas. The dentist and hygienist will examine pocket depths around the tooth, amount of bleeding, inflammation, and tooth movement. Together you will discuss the treatment and preventative steps for your specific case.
The two most common stages are gingivitis and periodontitis:
• Gingivitis is a milder form of periodontal disease that attacks the gums making them tender or inflamed.
• Periodontitis occurs when tarter continues to build up around the tooth causing the gums to be inflamed creating pockets around the tooth filled with bacteria. Your gums will become very sensitive and will bleed easily.
Advanced Periodontitis can result in the loss of a tooth if not treated effectively.
Treatment: Treatment for periodontal disease varies according to what stage and type of disease. After a thorough evaluation by the dentist and hygienist a recommended treatment plan will be given.
Maintenance: Regular home cleaning helps keep plaque and tarter under control, but professional cleanings are recommended for those hard to reach areas. Regular appointments will help prevent periodontal disease and/or catch it in the early stages.
Good oral hygiene and professional cleanings are the only way to maintain dental health and keep periodontal disease under control!

Bad Breath: Diagnosis / Treatment / Maintenance
Do you ever worry about bad breath (HALITOSIS)? Do you notice family members, friends or business associates keeping their distance? Perhaps someone has told you that you have a breath problem? If you worry about this common problem, don’t fear it, conquer it.
Diagnosis: Halitosis is caused by the build-up of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC’s), which arise from the breakdown of bacteria, tissue, and food particles.

The right way to eliminate bad breath is to make an appointment with 4Smiling Aesthetic Dentistry. Due to many possible causes of bad breath, diagnosis of the origin of halitosis is essential for its treatment. The first step to making a proper diagnosis is the taking of a complete medical history. Since most bad breath is caused by oral factors, the elimination of these factors should be the first step in the treatment approach.

The following steps are recommended:

  1. Improve oral hygiene techniques
  2. Control gum disease (periodontal disease)
  3. Increase salivary flow
  4. Patients who wear dentures, or partials need special home care instructions
  5. Patients wearing removable appliances also need to be given special oral hygiene instructions
  6. For people who eat spicy food like garlic and onions, excellent oral hygiene is not enough to stop bad breath