Periodontal Exam
Periodontal Exam
Periodontal Exam Columbus, OH
A periodontal examination is a clinical examination of the periodontium, or your gums. It is routinely done during your regular checkups. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) established the evaluation and recommended that all adults undergo one on an annual basis. A Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation, simply put, is a means to assess your periodontal health by examining several key areas:
- Your gums
- Your teeth
- Your plaque
- Your bite
- Your bone structure
- Your risk factors
The AAP’s recommendation stems from two emerging and diverging realities. The first being that we have reached a point, due to advances in our knowledge and therapy, where most patients can retain their natural teeth over their lifetime with the proper treatment, reasonable plaque control, and continuing care. The second is that most patients are not exercising those basic measures, and the prevalence of periodontal disease, at a time when it should be minimal in our culture, is instead growing into a crisis.
At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of a periodontal exam for you.
SERVICES
Are You a Candidate for a Periodontal Exam?
By assessing your oral health on an annual basis, both you and East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will be able to assess how healthy your mouth is and, in turn, be better positioned to notice any conditions, such as periodontal disease, that may require treatment.
There is also a growing body of research that is strengthening the link between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases, which magnifies the urgency to treat the inflammation that causes periodontal disease to help protect your overall health.
The Periodontal Exam Procedure
A comprehensive periodontal exam will be performed by East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry at your initial dental visit. At your regular check-up exams, our team will include the following:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays: These are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: We check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: We will check your gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All your tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: We will check all current fillings, dental crowns, or other restorations.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
Periodontal Supportive Therapy (PST)
It literally only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus or tartar. Daily home cleaning helps control and remove this plaque and tartar formation, but those hard-to-reach areas still need special attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will recommend that you have frequent maintenance cleanings, periodontal cleanings, usually four times a year. This ensures complete treatment for all your dental needs. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove each day will be removed from above and below the gum line.
Periodontal Supportive Therapy, periodontal dental prophylaxis, are always performed by a registered dental hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a periodontal exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus or tartar: Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on your teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins, or poisons, that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease.
- Teeth polishing: To finish remove stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
The Cost of Your Periodontal Exam
The cost of your periodontal exam may vary depending on your individual needs and your personal treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and any paperwork. We work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.