Advanced periodontal treatments restore your healthy, attractive smile in Cleveland, OH
You cannot have healthy teeth with unhealthy gums! Your teeth depend on your gums for support and protection. When this pink-red tissue is threatened by inflammation and disease, these progressive conditions ultimately threaten the structure and health of your teeth. In fact, alongside tooth decay, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Often, standard professional cleanings at the Downtown Dental Services office are sufficient to keep your gums healthy. However, Dr. Tony Lu may recommend other periodontal treatments to Cleveland, OH area patients. Therapies such as scaling and root planing resolve active disease and promote healthy reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Is it Time to Achieve Optimal Periodontal Health?
Do you miss your healthy gums? Downtown Dental Services offers top-tier periodontal care designed to keep your smile strong and healthy. Whether you need to prevent, diagnose, or treat gum disease, we are here to help.
Call (216) 616-1155
or schedule a convenient online appointment today!
Routine care
At least every six months, we recommend a check-up that includes an oral exam and cleaning. These cleanings can remove stubborn, built-up plaque and tartar from the teeth and the gumline. During these visits, our team will also measure the space between the teeth and gums. The larger this pocket or space, the more advanced the stage of gum inflammation or disease. Consider how the bacteria in plaque, if it is not removed adequately, can irritate the gums, and progressively erode tissue. Depending on your needs, we may recommend another form of periodontal therapy.
Scaling and root planing
Think of standard six-month cleanings to maintain the health of your gums. Think of scaling and root planing as the way to restore the health of your gums. This two-part “deep cleaning” treatment involves:
- Scaling, using a specialized dental instrument to remove plaque and tartar from underneath the gums
- Planing, using another specialized dental instrument to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots
Rough root surfaces tend to attract bacteria and other harmful substances. This process effectively eradicates bacteria from periodontal pockets and encourages healthy healing.
Gentle treatment
Dr. Lu is pleased to offer an array of advanced techniques and technologies to patients in downtown Cleveland. These sophisticated approaches are generally more precise, non-invasive, conservative, efficient, and well-tolerated than standard or conventional techniques and tools. For instance, lasers represent a gentle way to precisely manipulate both hard and soft tissues. When using laser instruments to resolve periodontal damage, patients appreciate that treatment is painless, quick, and non-traumatic. For this reason, laser dentistry is a welcome option for patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety that keeps them away from the office. Since these approaches are so non-invasive, numbing medications or shots may not be necessary.
Do not wait for your gums to be painful to call us. We will get you on a healthy routine that preserves your stunning, fully functional smile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontal Treatment
What is iTero NIRI Imaging technology?
iTero NIRI stands for Near-Infrared Imaging. It’s an advanced tool incorporated into some iTero scanners that helps detect cavities between teeth, located above the gum line. It uses light to scan your teeth and reveal early decay. This allows us to catch problems sooner and treat them conservatively.
Does the iTero NIRI Technology use radiation?
No. iTero NIRI does not use radiation. It relies on near-infrared light, making it a safe and comfortable option for routine screening. NIRI shines near-infrared light through your teeth. This light reacts differently with healthy and unhealthy tissue, helping highlight areas of decay. iTero NIRI is an innovative, radiation-free technology, making it a safer option for all patients, including children and pregnant women.
How often should I be screened?
Most patients benefit from screening during regular dental visits. However, frequency depends on your risk level. If you are prone to cavities, we may recommend more frequent checks. Since iTero NIRI is radiation-free, we can use it as often as needed without posing any health concerns.
Do I still need X-rays?
Yes. While iTero NIRI is excellent for detecting early decay between teeth (interproximal surfaces), X-rays are still important. They help identify deep cavities, decay below the gumline (subgingival cavities), and issues under crowns or other restorations. The iTero NIRI is not a substitute but a complementary tool with other diagnostic tools, helping create a complete picture of your oral health.
How are cavities treated?
If we find a cavity, we must treat it. Otherwise, it can grow deeper, causing unnecessary pain and even tooth loss. Addressing cavities is easy. We first remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then restore the area with a tooth-colored resin material. The procedure is quick, and the results are natural and long-lasting.
Are tooth fillings visible when I smile or speak?
Not usually. We use tooth-colored fillings that blend with your natural teeth. They are designed to look seamless and discreet. They are virtually undetectable even when placed on highly visible areas, like the front teeth.
How much does it cost to treat a cavity?
The cost depends on the cavity’s size and location. The average cost of a filling is about $150-$200. However, this doesn’t consider benefits such as insurance that you may be entitled to. We’ll share the exact cost breakdown and payment options before any treatment begins.
Does insurance cover cavity treatment?
A dental filling is a medically necessary procedure, so your insurance likely covers it. However, the exact amount of coverage depends on several factors, such as deductibles, annual maximums, and waiting periods. We’ll help review your coverage and outline the applicable benefits.
How can I prevent cavities?
While treating cavities is easy, prevention is always the best case scenario. To protect your smile from cavities, be diligent with your oral hygiene. That means you brush and floss your teeth diligently. Good nutrition is also important. Limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Instead, consider tooth-friendly options like fresh fruits, veggies, dairy products, and water. Lastly, visit your dentist routinely for check-ups and cleanings.
Who offers cavity detection and treatment in Cleveland, OH?
Downtown Dental Services provides advanced cavity detection and treatment in Cleveland and the nearby locations. With modern tools like iTero NIRI, we help you stay ahead of decay and maintain a healthy, confident smile. Call (216) 616-1155 and schedule an appointment with our team today.
