Call
Cleanings & Gum Disease Treatment in Cullman, AL
We help you keep your teeth healthy for life!
We will make sure your teeth are kept clean and properly maintained so that they can remain healthy for life.
Our friendly hygienists are highly skilled and provide excellent, gentle cleanings. During your regular maintenance appointments, they will monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease and they will take care of any gum disease that comes up before it has a chance to progress.
They will also educate you on proper oral care at home, so that you know how to take care of your teeth and maintain their optimum health between visits.
Gentle, Thorough Teeth Cleanings
Our skilled hygienists are warm and friendly and will treat you like family. They will perform gentle, thorough teeth cleanings to make sure that your teeth are kept healthy and are well-maintained.
Ultrasonic scaler
In addition to traditional hand scalers, we use a state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaler to clean your teeth. Ultrasonic scalers are considered to be gentler and more comfortable for patients, while being just as effective or even more effective than traditional cleaning instruments.
Patient Education
Using models, pictures and before and after photos, we will show you how to brush, floss and otherwise take care of your teeth and mouth so that your oral health is maintained at optimum level and any gum disease is prevented or kept at bay.
High-Tech, Comfortable Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a condition where a buildup of plaque and bacteria causes the gums to become inflamed and to withdraw from the teeth, allowing further bacteria to lodge and infect the area in a continuing, progressive cycle. If gum disease is not treated and the progressive infection of bacteria halted, it can eventually have serious consequences such as extensive damage to your gums and jawbone, and the loss of one or several teeth.
Gum disease is a “silent disease,” meaning that symptoms can be difficult to detect on your own until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
At Dental Arts, we treat mild to moderate gum disease. Dr. Bartlett will examine you and determine the extent of any gum disease you may have. If any gum disease is found, we will treat it aggressively, and we will follow up with regular maintenance cleanings to keep the disease at bay. In cases of severe gum disease, she will have you seen by a trusted local specialist.
Our general approach to gum disease treatment is as follows:
Periodontal Exam
When gums retract from the teeth due to irritation from bacterial infection, gum “pockets” form. These get deeper as the infection worsens. We will measure the current depth of your gum pockets to assess the level of any gum disease present, and we will record the pocket depth of each tooth in your records so we can monitor improvements during the course of your treatment.
Scaling and root planing
During your cleaning, we will remove hardened deposits of plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth—both above and below the gumline. These deposits would otherwise cause more inflammation and irritation and cause your gums to further retract, worsening their condition. This removal process is known as scaling.
After the plaque and bacteria have been removed during scaling, we will smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots. This makes it difficult for new bacteria to attach themselves. This smoothing process is known as root planing.
Deep cleaning consists of scaling and root planing, which are performed together. Deep cleaning treatment is usually sufficient to handle mild or moderate gum disease. Our hygienists will make sure that your deep cleaning is gentle but thorough, so that your gum disease can be rapidly brought under control.
Ultrasonic scaler for maximum comfort and effectiveness
Our ultrasonic scaler uses high-frequency vibrations to break up hardened plaque deposits, known as calculus. It uses a stream of cooling water that flushes away debris and bacteria. The undetectable shockwaves created by the vibrations additionally destroy the cell membranes of any bacteria in the area, effectively killing them.
Ultrasonic scalers are usually used in conjunction with traditional manual scalers. They are used whenever possible, providing increased effectiveness, comfort and efficiency.
Regular maintenance cleanings
After the elimination of the bacterial infection and the removal of any hard plaque deposits that may irritate your gums, regular maintenance cleanings are the best way to keep gum disease permanently under control. Our hygienists will monitor the health of your gums closely during your subsequent visits. They will further educate you on home oral care as necessary to ensure your oral hygiene habits are optimum and your gum disease is kept at bay.
Causes & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can have many contributing factors. Poor oral hygiene is the most important cause of gum disease, but research has shown that other factors such as genetics, stress, the of taking certain medications, teeth clenching or grinding and smoking can also contribute to gum disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that bleed while or after brushing your teeth
- receding gums
- persistent bad breath
- a bad taste in your mouth
- changes in the alignment of your bite
- teeth shifting in your mouth or becoming loose
Gum disease is often difficult to detect on your own until it has progressed to an advanced stage which is more difficult to treat. That’s why it is important to get regular dental checkups, and to come in for a checkup at the first sign of trouble if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while. The earlier any gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat it.
Dr. Bartlett will be happy to examine you and let you know what your situation is. If any gum disease is present, we will take swift action to help you get it under control.
Call 256-841-7222 or click here to schedule an appointment.
$59 New Patient Exam, X-Rays and Consultation
You can take advantage of our New Patient Special to receive a comprehensive oral exam, X-rays and personal consultation. Your visit will include:
- Comprehensive oral exam
- 4 bite-wing X-rays
- Smile evaluation
- Learn about your options
- Get your questions answered
- Treatment plan
- Receive a second opinion about dental work
Call 256-841-7222 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Real Patient Story
“They treat me more like a friend than a client.”
“I am impressed with Dr. Bartlett’s ability, client care and organizational skills. Her staff is always so professional and courteous. They treat me more like a friend than a client.”
—Dave, implant and crown
Read More Testimonials
Get an Exam, X-Rays and Consultation with Dr. Bartlett for Only $59.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
To request an appointment, call 256-841-7222 or fill out the form below and click “Send.” If you need immediate assistance, please call the office. If you leave a message outside of our office hours, we will contact you during our next business day.