Morgan Johnson, RDH

Why does my Dental Hygienist or Dentist “Poke at my Gums” Every Oral Hygiene Visit?

Have you ever wondered why your dental professional “pokes your gums?” Or why they call out numbers such as “2-3-3, 4-2-3” and what those numbers mean? This “poking” is actually a vital step in assessing your gum health and is called periodontal probing. Between each of your teeth and the surrounding gum tissue is a space, or gum pocket. Our instrument, called a periodontal probe, measures the depth of that pocket in millimeters (mm).

What do the pocket numbers mean?

Generally, a healthy pocket depth will range from 1-3 mm. This usually indicates healthy tissue, with no signs of inflammation or disease. Pockets of 4mm or greater can indicate potential areas of concern, including the presence of periodontal (or gum) disease. Unhealthy pocket depths can be the result of poor oral home care, which can cause inflammation, and even bone loss. Periodontal disease is also liked to various systemic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which is an additional reason to maintain a healthy mouth.

What can I do about my pockets?

After assessing your pockets, your hygienist will have recommendations on what type of cleaning would most benefit you, to either maintain your periodontal health, or help restore it if it is lost. Sometimes a “deep cleaning” may be necessary to reduce pocket depths. To maintain healthy pocket depths, or lower unhealthy ones, it is essential to be brushing for a full two minutes everyday, and flossing at least once a day. Your hygienist will also offer specific, individualized recommendations for your mouth. If you have any questions, make sure to ask your hygienist at your next check up!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/health-perils-of-gum-disease#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-periodontal-charting#followup

https://patient.speareducation.com/chairside/videos/gingival-probing-and-pocket-depth

Amy Smith, RDH

Why would a Dental Hygienist need to know your blood pressure?

At that first lengthy appointment in a new dental office where all of the x-rays, pictures,
and probe recordings are taken, a blood pressure reading is recommended as well. Some might
question, “what does this have to do with my teeth?” It’s simple, awareness and safety.
As licensed health care providers, it is our responsibility to discuss any medical
conditions, current medications, drug allergies, and chief concerns with our patients. This
knowledge contributes to our understanding of any present infections or symptoms in which
they may be experiencing. In some cases, patients might not be aware of their reading or risks
associated with higher numbers (hypertension). According to the American Dental Association,
the updated 2017 classifications are listed below:

When presenting for a procedure where local anesthetic (or numbing) is administered,
such as a deep cleaning, a blood pressure reading is mandatorily taken. When injecting an
anesthetic containing epinephrine, there is potential for a person’s blood pressure to rise from
their initial reading due to the vasoconstriction of blood vessels. To prevent a medical
emergency from occurring, hygienists obtain a reading. In some cases, it is safer for the patient
to reschedule their appointment if their reading is too high and refer them to see their
physician for further evaluation.

Having high blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life. When left
undetected or uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart failure, stroke, vision loss, angina, heart attack, and kidney disease, to name a few. Not only is high blood pressure awareness
important for your health, but the reading is a preventative measure we take as dental professionals to ensure quality and safety of care to our patients.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(18)30090-4/fulltext
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-
pressure

Sharma Mulqueen RDH

Don’t Lose Your Benefits before the End of the Year

Many people do not realize if they do not use their benefits they will be gone! While the majority of dental plans run on a calendar year, there are some that run fiscally dependent on different situation. Please call one of our offices and we can help you with any of your Insurance questions.  We have compiled 4 different reasons why using your benefits before the end of the calendar year will save you time and money.

1. Yearly Maximum

Your dental insurance plan likely has a yearly maximum, this amount is what your dental insurance plan has agreed to pay up to for the year. Most people have an average of $1,000 per year, per person, but this can vary by insurance company. Some insurance plans have Orthodontic (braces) benefits that have a onetime maximum, than amount can vary by Insurance Company.  If you have any unused benefits, they do not rollover to the next year so it is wise to plan ahead before your calendar or fiscal year ends.

2. Deductible

Most insurance companies requires a deductible to be paid out of pocket to your dentist, before your insurance company will pay for any services. Depending on your plan and the dentist you choose, your deductible can vary in amount, however average deductibles are around $50 per year. When plans roll over to a new year, your deductible will also be reset.  If you have met your deductible for the year and you have pending treatment. It is a good idea to have that treatment completed.

3. Premiums

You are paying dental premiums each and every month and you should be taking full advantage of them. If you don’t think you require dental treatment, coming in every six months for a cleaning is great for maintaining your oral health and preventing future dental problems. At your cleaning appointment, x-rays are taken and a dental exam is performed.  Any treatment that is needed will be discussed at this appointment.

4. Dental Problems Can Worsen

If you still have benefits available before the end of the year, book yourself in for an appointment. Delaying treatment can mean that you will encounter more expensive and extensive treatment in the future. Call one of our Dental offices and schedule an appointment now, so that cavities and other minor issues can be treated rather than them turning into larger.  

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

www.deltadental.com

www.bcbs.com

www.aetna.com