Because the warm, moist oral environment is very hospitable to bacteria, bacteria can manifest in several ways. Plaque is a bio-film formed by the colonies of bacteria that live in your mouth. Plaque produces an acid which is destructive to your teeth and gums unless removed.
Calculus or tartar forms when plaque is not properly removed and the bacterial colonies calcify and mineralize into a hard substance, which then attracts more harmful bacteria.
Gingivitis is gum disease caused by bacteria that are in active, destructive state. Your gums become inflamed, swell and redden in response to the infection. To prevent advancement to periodontal disease, this condition must be aggressively treated. Blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing after brushing is a sign of gingivitis.
Periodontal Disease, also called Periodontitis, is an active infection that destroys the very foundation of your teeth, the bone which keeps your teeth attached to your jaw. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause so much bone loss that your teeth become loose and fall out. Periodontal disease is diagnosed by measuring the depth of your gum pockets, checking for bleeding sites, and by assessing bone loss through digital x-rays and clinical observation. Periodontal
disease is chronic, progressive, and episodic. While periodontal disease is irreversible, much like diabetes, it can be managed in partnership with your dental professionals.
Pockets are the spaces between your tooth and gum tissue. A healthy gum pocket is between 1-3mm in depth.
Bacteria love to colonize these pockets. Pocket depths of 4 or more millimeters indicate active periodontal disease.
Bleeding when brushing or measuring the gum pockets, red, puffy gums, are the first signs of infection.

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PROPHYLAXIS (prophy) – traditionally called a “teeth cleaning,” prophylaxis removes plaque build-up that cannot be removed by brushing, and includes tooth polishing. New data suggest that teeth should be cleaned every 8-16 weeks Indications: no sign of periodontal disease, no gum pockets over 3 mm or bleeding sites, and pink, firm gums

Tools Used: ultrasonic scaler, fine hand instruments, polishing cup and paste
FULL MOUTH DEBRIDEMENT – when teeth have not been professionally cleaned for more than a year and there is heavy tartar build-up, a full mouth debridement is often necessary

Indications: significant calculus build-up in several areas in the mouth
Tools Used: micro-ultrasonic scaler, hand tools
GINGIVAL BACTERIAL REDUCTION– laser light to kill bacteria in infected gum pockets throughout the mouth, combined with the services of a prophylaxis
Indications: Gingivitis, presenting with bleeding, puffy, or red gums
Tools Used: laser light, ultrasonic scaler, fine hand instruments, polishing cup and paste
SITE-SPECIFIC LASER THERAPY – when bacteria infects both the gums and the bones which hold the teeth in place, we laser light is used to disrupt and attack the colonies of bacteria deep inside the gum pockets at each individual infected tooth site
Indications: Slight to severe periodontal disease
Tools Used: Micro-ultrasonic scaler, fine hand instruments, laser light

PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE – to help maintain the results of treatment for periodontal disease, this specialized cleaning is performed every 8, 10, or 12 weeks
Indications: Prior diagnosis of periodontal disease.
Tools used: Micro-ultrasonic scaler, fine hand instruments, laser light, polishing cup and paste.