Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Therapy in Leesburg, FL
A healthy smile starts with healthy gums. At Leading Edge Dental in Leesburg, FL , we provide professional cleanings, deep cleanings, and periodontal therapy to prevent and treat gum disease and protect your natural teeth for life. Call (352) 365-6442 to schedule your hygiene appointment.
Building a Healthy Home Care Routine
Ideal oral hygiene is achieved by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. We recommend a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline to remove plaque without causing abrasion. Proper flossing, easing the floss below the gumline rather than sawing, is equally important for preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a soft bacterial film that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Once tartar forms, a toothbrush cannot remove it; professional cleaning is required. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads directly to periodontal disease.
Professional Hygiene Services
Regular visits with your dentist and hygienist are the cornerstone of preventive care.
- Prophylaxis: A standard cleaning that removes light debris and surface stains, followed by a polish. Regular cleanings also help with surface stains.
- Full mouth debridement: Intensive removal of plaque and calculus for patients who have not had a cleaning in over a year.
- Digital X-rays: Low-radiation bitewings, typically once a year, to monitor hidden decay and bone health.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
When a gum infection is present, scaling and root planing restores health. During scaling, our hygienist removes hard tartar and bacterial plaque above and below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces to prevent plaque from reattaching and encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. Laser therapy may be used to treat infected tissue with minimal discomfort.
The Three Stages of Periodontal Disease
Early periodontitis involves 3 to 4mm pockets, slight bone loss, and red, bleeding gums. Moderate periodontitis brings 5 to 6mm pockets and loss of up to 25% of supporting bone. Advanced periodontitis involves pockets over 6mm, significant bone loss, and loose teeth at high risk of falling out.
Protecting Your Teeth for Life
While bone loss from periodontitis cannot be reversed, the disease can be successfully arrested with modern periodontal treatment and regular maintenance. Early detection is your best defense against tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also cause a painful gum abscess.
If gum disease has already caused tooth loss, we can restore your smile with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Patients from Howey-in-the-Hills, Fruitland Park, and throughout Lake County trust our hygiene team. Explore all of our dental services.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
How often should I have a professional cleaning?
We generally recommend an exam and cleaning at least twice a year. Patients treated for gum disease may need maintenance visits every three to four months.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling removes tartar and bacteria above and below the gumline, and root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the teeth.
Is a deep cleaning painful?
We numb the area for your comfort, and sedation options are available. Most patients experience only mild tenderness afterward.
What is full mouth debridement?
It is an intensive removal of heavy plaque and tartar for patients who have not had a professional cleaning in over a year, allowing a thorough exam afterward.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Bone loss from periodontitis is irreversible, but the disease can be successfully arrested with periodontal therapy and consistent maintenance.
Do you use lasers for gum treatment?
Yes. Laser dentistry allows minimally invasive treatment of gum disease with less bleeding and faster healing.
What is the best way to brush and floss?
Use a soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline twice daily, and ease floss gently below the gumline once a day instead of sawing.
Is It Time for Your Professional Cleaning?
Keep your gums healthy and your smile strong. Call Leading Edge Dental at (352) 365-6442 to schedule your hygiene appointment in Leesburg, FL .