Online Dental Education Library
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions, please contact us.
Choose from the links below, browse our Glossary, or simply type in keywords for more information.
YOUR HEALTH ---
- Medication and Heart Disease
- Age and Oral Health
- Tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Oral Piercing
- Periodontal Exams
- What is Tooth Decay?
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Fluoride Facts
- Mouth Rinses
- Sealants
- X-Rays
- Denture Care
- Emergency Care
- Prevention Tips for Children
- Women and Tooth Care
- Seniors and Oral Health
- Nutrition and Your Teeth
- Choosing a Toothbrush
- Your First Dental Visit
- Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
- Oral Health Products
- Types of Floss
- Water Picks
- Managing Pain
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS ---
- Abscessed Tooth
- Dental Emergencies
- Bad Breath (halitosis)
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Canker/Cold Sores
- Cavities and Tooth Decay
- Toothaches
- Dry Mouth
- Fluorosis
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
- Wisdom Teeth
- Jaw/TMJ
- Lacerations and Cuts
- Oral Cancer
- Plaque
- Sensitive Teeth
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
- Jaw Disorders
- Missing Teeth
- Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
- Excessive or Uneven Gums
- Old and Unsightly Fillings
DENTAL TREATMENTS ---
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then, a small instrument called a "scaler," or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. If effective, scaling and root planing helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. Additional measures may be needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing.