Schmitz Dental Care
636-464-2002
schmitzdmd@msn.com
Dental Conditions
Using a microscope to find infections
A microscope is a new tool in dentistry that really helps in the treatment of periodontal disease.
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive below the gumline. To look at the bacteria from your mouth, your dentist takes a small plaque sample from a pocket and places it on a slide.
This is a slide from a mouth with active periodontal disease. These are spirochete bacteria and they're one sign that periodontal disease is present.
You'll see your own slides when your dentist uses the microscope to help you judge the success of your own periodontal treatment. That way, you may be able to see the return to health in your own mouth after root planing.