Panama City dentist, Dentist in Panama City, FL

Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health

In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home.  We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed.  Our doctors and

hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.

If you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend more frequent preventative cleanings, or Periodontal Therapy such as Scaling and Root Planing.  These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas.

Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.

Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer.  In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical therapy for Periodontal Disease.  The hygienist or periodontist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.  Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments.  Unless the plaque and tartar are removed, your gums cannot heal, and the bacteria that adhere easily to the rough surfaces will continue to cause bleeding, infection and bone loss.  Untreated Periodontal Disease is the primary cause of tooth loss, and has systemic links to Diabetes, Liver Disease and Heart Disease.