Healthy Gums		Gingivitis		Advanced Periodontitis

Regular dental visits are essential for detecting periodontal disease before the gums and the supporting bone are irreversibly damaged. Your dentist may use Periodontal Screening & Recording™ (PSR®), a simple new screening technique that helps him or her "keep score" of the health of your gums. It's designed for early detection of gum disease. The mouth is screened by using a special periodontal probe. The rounded tip of the probe is gently inserted between the tooth and gum to measure the depth of the tissue at this spot. This measurement helps the dentist assess the health of the gums. Your dentist can then determine whether a more complete periodontal exam is needed. Pain can occur in advanced stages or in rapidly progressing forms of the disease. But don't wait until it hurts. A combination of regular professional treatment and conscientious home care will help keep your smile healthy.

Why Are Sealants Necessary?
When the back teeth are developing, depressions and grooves form in the chewing surfaces of the enamel. These irregularities are called pits and fissures. They are impossible to keep clean, because the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach into them. Therefore, pits and fissures are snug places for plaque and bits of food to hide. By forming a thin covering over the pits and fissures, sealants keep out plaque and food, and thus decrease risk of decay.

Chewing surface of a molar before sealant is applied.		The tooth surface is etched with a mild solution to help the sealant adhere.		Chewing surface of a molar protected by a shaded sealant.