Conventional
Conventional cleanings which is covered by insurance focus on the physical removal of residue of varying degrees of hardness ( soft- plaque to hard- calculus) from the tooth surface.
Does not change the micro flora in any significant way.
For instance, many wonderful patients that come in religiously every 3 months for decades to get periodontal maintenance still progress in their periodontal disease. Patients still end up needing periodontal surgery or end up losing teeth. I needed to find a different way to make sure my patients can keep their teeth- since Full vital dentition is absolutely tied to longevity and health.
Diagnosis
We need a hygiene program that targets the micro organisms of the mouth. The first step is identifying the enemy: the pathogens that are not part of the normal oral flora but those causing damage in the mouth and to the body. This can be done on few different levels.
- Visual: signs of inflammation like redness, swelling and bleeding as well as pus. Recession alone can also be a sign of periodontal disease.
- Microscope : plaque from the mouth can be placed on a slide and immediately we can see what bacteria, virus, mold or parasites( that are large enough) are part your oral microbiome.
- Lab test of your saliva can be sent to a lab to be tested against 11 most harmful oral bacteria. The test can include inflammatory cytokine and candida evaluation.
Discussion with your dentist or the biological hygienist can help decide which testing would appropriate. With the results from the test, strategy can be planned to remove the pathogenic micro organism that is causing oral and systemic problems. Your oral and physical health will be taken in consideration.
Biological Hygiene Treatment
In addition to the physical cleaning to remove the debris and calculus, numerous steps are taken to treat the pathological micro organisms effectively with high tech equipment, ozone, medications, and lasers that supports the body but properly decimates the pathogens.