Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Happen To You

Your dentist understands how important regular checkups are and if you have not seen your Dentist in Goodlettsville for some time, it is probably a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkley. With over thirty years of experience Dr. Barkley will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums looking for tooth decay, gingivitis and other dental issues.

If periodontal disease has been detected, he will recommend that you schedule a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and planing. Deep cleaning is the first step that needs to be taken in order to get rid of your periodontal disease.

According to Web MD, Scaling and planing is the most effective way to heal your teeth and gums. When your Dentist in Goodlettsville scales and plans your teeth, he may use a local anesthetic in order to make the procedure more comfortable.

Your dental hygenist will use a small dental instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner that will remove the tarter and plaque between your teeth and gums. Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, or the less severe gingivitis, your Dentist in Goodlettsville may schedule your cleanings in quadrants in order to make the treatment less invasive. Dr. Barkley will carefully remove the plaque and tartar by scaling down to the bottom of each pocket.

Once the scaling is completed, the surfaces of the roots of your teeth will be smoothed in order to heal the tissue and cause your periodontal pockets to shrink. Planing also makes it harder for the plaque and tartar to re-accumulate along the root surfaces.

If your periodontal disease is advanced, antibiotic fibers may be used that will be placed between your gums and teeth. The antibiotics will help speed up the healing process and prevent further infection. Your Dentist in Goodlettsville will remove the pockets at a second appointment when he checks on your healing.

Bleeding after brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath and gums that have pulled away from your teeth are warning signs and if you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital that you schedule an examination. Periodontal disease can happen to anyone and if left untreated can cause serious consequences.

Schedule a Goodlettsville Dentist Standard or Comprehensive Check up Today

Your dental care needs change throughout your life, and if you have not been to your local dentist lately, it is never too late to schedule an appointment. 

After graduating from the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry, Dr. Barkley has practiced dentistry in Rivergate, Madison, and Goodlessville since 1976. As a member of the American Dental Association, the Nashville Dental Society, and the Tennessee Dental Association, Dr. Barkley can help you with the best oral care available regardless of your your age.

According to Oral B and your Goodlettsville Dentist, it is important to be prepared for your next oral exam in order to get the best out of your trip to the Goodlettsville Dentist. Even if you are just visiting your Goodlettsville Dentist for a regular checkup, it is important to let Dr. Barkley and his team know if you are dealing with any tooth or gum sensitivity or if you have been experiencing any abnormal symptoms such as swelling or a problem with chewing. If you are having problems before your regular check-up, make sure that you schedule a special appointment in order to prevent more serious problems. It is also imperative that you tell your Goodlettsville Dentist if you are dealing with any new medical conditions that may have occurred since your last dental visit. If you are taking medications, be sure and bring a list with you to show to your Goodlettsville Dentist.

There are two types of dental visits. Your standard regular check up and a comprehensive dental exam. The standard check up with includes teeth cleaning, which involves tartar and plaque removal. You will also be checked for oral cancer and periodontal issues.

If it is your first visit to a new dentist your neck, head, mouth and of course, your teeth and gums will be examined. The dental assistant will also take x-rays if necessary. Most dentists recommend that you schedule a regular check up at least once or twice a year in order to catch problems early on.

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that is certainly the case when it comes to dentistry in Goodlettsville. Schedule an appointment with the best Goodlettsville Dentist, Dr. Rick Barkley. 

Goodlettsville Dentist Discuss Sensitive Teeth

Dr. Rick Barkley and his entire dental office team strive to provide the most relaxed and caring experience possible for all patients.  Providing optimal oral-health care for everyone we see if our top priority.  We get asked a lot about Sensitive Teeth and here is some info.

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin. 

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. We may suggest one of a variety of treatments, but will have to see you in our Goodlettsville Dental office first.  

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. If you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity, contact us anytime.  Here are some more resources from our website.