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Dental Hygiene

Periodontal (or gum) health is a high priority for our hygiene team. The hygienist perform cleanings, or prophylaxis on our patients who have healthy gums. This procedure is done several times a year. Frequently, patients present with periodontal disease, which can be a silent infection, without symptoms. The hygienists are trained to detect the problems, and along with the dentist, treat the problem areas. We have a new exciting material called Arestin, that assists us in treating periodontal disease. Arestin is an antibiotic that is gently placed around the teeth that are cleaned to help the area heal and return to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, that sticky film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is a compilation of dead cells from your mouth, protein from saliva, food particles and bacteria. Brushing does not remove all the plaque from between the teeth but flossing does. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth as well as stimulates the gums, keeping the gums pink and healthy.
The American Dental Association’s protocol for a healthy adult calls for routine cleaning and checkup every 6 months. We find it best to set a patient’s routine checkup based on his/her personal needs. The majority of our patients get a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Those with a periodontal condition will often have their teeth cleaned more frequently while others that have never had decay of calculus buildup might be on a one year recall.
We’ve come a long way with x-rays. Although it is always wise to keep radiation exposure to a minimum, x-rays are a wonderful tool in dentistry. Modern x-ray machines are highly filtered, low output machines. You should not be concerned about dental radiation. The benefits provided by routine x-ray screening far outweigh any perceived hazard. Our office also uses digital x-rays which use one twentieth of the x-ray power to image your teeth.
Yes! Healthy gums don’t bleed. Bleeding is usually a sign of gum disease (periodontal disease). If diagnosed early, periodontal disease can be successfully treated without surgery. The longer you wait, the more difficult the treatment and the less predictable the outcome. More important are the links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and others.
Yes. Bad breath is frequently related to dental disease or systemic disease. An oral examination is the first step to solving your problem.
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Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Monica Ramos Boyd DDS

Dr. Ramos Boyd began practicing in 2009. She was raised in Harlingen, and was excited about returning home to practice dentistry in her community.  She received her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Pan American.  

She treats adults and children, and performs the following procedures: cosmetic porcelain crowns and veneers, esthetic fillings, bleaching, root canals, minor oral surgery, preventive care, periodontal therapy, implant crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dr. Ramos Boyd is ...

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Featured Blog Posts - Dental Hygiene

September 29, 2017

Periodontal Health

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.  The word periodontal literally means 'around the tooth'. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) cause the gums to become inflamed. 
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