DEXIS Digital X-rays

Typically, the first non-surgical step in the treatment of periodontal disease involves a special cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP), or a “deep cleaning.” When pocket depths are 3mm or more, scaling and root planing can be used to treat periodontal disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup found below the gum line. A specialized instrument called a small scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner is used to carefully remove plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Finally, the tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed or planed, helping gum tissue to heal while shrinking periodontal pockets. This procedure makes it more difficult for the accumulation of plaque along the root surfaces. To alleviate any potential discomfort, a local anesthetic may be given at the beginning of the procedure.

Depending on the extent of periodontal disease present, treatment by scaling and root planing may be recommended for one or more sections (quadrants) of your mouth. In combination with a deep cleaning, a localized antibiotic such as ARESTIN^® may be used to help control infection and promote healing. Once scaling and root planing has been completed, a follow up appointment is usually scheduled several weeks later to examine your gums to see how they have healed and how the periodontal pockets have decreased. Often, many patients do not require further active treatment for periodontal disease and just need proper preventative care.

• Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and continued follow up maintenance cleanings are essential to help prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
• Periodontitis does not go away by itself- prevention and treatment in early stages is crucial to keeping a healthy smile

Identafi® Multi-Spectral Oral Cancer Screening

Quick facts about oral cancer:

• Kills more in the U.S. than well known cancers such as skin, lymphatic, thyroid, & cervical
• Almost 37,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the U.S
• 66% of these individuals will be diagnosed as late stage cancers, only 43% of them will survive five years
• Early detection (stages 1 or 2) increases survival rates up to 80-90%
• Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase
• Prolonged sun exposure, tobacco, & alcohol use are major contributing factors
• HPV16, the same virus that causes a majority of cervical cancers, was the primary causative factor in 63% of diagnosis in early 2011

The test is simple, painless, & fast.

The mortality rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because of difficulty in diagnosis or discovery, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Screenings for oral cancer are crucial in early detection and drastically improve survival rates. An oral cancer screening is a painfree, quick three to five minute procedure that detects external and internal abnormalities. Your head, neck, and jaws will be examined for external abnormalities, followed by a visual screening of the interior of your mouth using a specialized light wand.

When found early, oral cancer patients have nearly a 90% survival rate.

Our office uses the Identafi system by Trimera and we recommend that patients are screened once a year for oral cancer. The Identafi® uses Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye.