You may wonder when you’re scheduling a visit with us, your oral and maxillofacial surgeons, why you should spend any time worrying about plaque. After all, we offer advanced treatments like dental implants, extractions, and even bone grafting. Isn’t plaque the most basic concern of general dentistry? Does a cavity really have much to do with problems requiring oral surgery? As a matter of fact, you will be surprised that protecting your oral health in nearly all scenarios includes preventing the negative effects and accumulation of plaque. Allow us to explain.
Periodontal Disease Causes Tooth Loss
Periodontal problems begin as the result of plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque irritate your gums, which become inflamed and infected. Gum disease that goes without treatment may lead to gum recession, jaw damage, and tooth loss. Need jawbone grafting or implant placement? Plaque can lead to this need.
Implant Success Relies On Daily Care
Want your implant to last without complication? Brush, floss, and schedule preventive visits. This will protect your overall oral health through plaque removal, while ensuring the gum tissue surrounding your implant remains healthy. Otherwise, peri-implantitis (similar to gum disease) may occur and threaten your tooth replacement.
Extractions May Stem From Plaque Problems
Let’s say you need your tooth removed because root canal therapy could not salvage your significantly infected tooth. Did you know that neglecting to fill a cavity (which is caused in part by plaque) could lead to an infection that threatens your oral health? What begins as a seemingly innocent decision to avoid a tooth brushing session can eventually lead to the need for an extraction.
ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA, ORAL SURGEONS:
Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).
