Today's patient is a great example of why you get regular dental cleanings. These teeth looked completely healthy and normal when viewed from straight on. However, a through exam revealed that the lower teeth were in definite need of dental care.
Dental plaque tends to build up in hard-to-see areas; behind the lower teeth, around the molars, etc. Over time, this plaque hardens to form calculus (also called "tartar") and becomes impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone (as seen here). Calculus harbors bacteria that cause periodontal disease, decay and bone loss. At a regular dental cleaning, we use instruments and techniques that rid the teeth of calculus.
This patient received a special type of cleaning called a debridement, where large collections of calculus are removed prior to a normal dental cleaning. They are well on their way to complete oral health! If you would like to know more about cleanings, gum disease or any other health topics, please give our office a call.