When plaque-that sticky, colorless film of food and bacteria-remains on your teeth, it can progress to forming deep gum pockets. Deep gum pockets are one sign of periodontal disease. The gums begin to recede and you may have lost bone around your teeth.
Regular brushing and flossing are not enough to effectively remove plaque from your teeth. Instead, it takes special tools and techniques to keep your teeth clean. Here is why.
In a healthy mouth, the space between your teeth and gums, called the sulcus, is about 2 to 3 millimeters deep, and your toothbrush and floss can effectively reach these areas. However, with periodontal disease, the sulcus deepens and forms a pocket that is more than 3 millimeters. Regular cleaning tools just cannot clean that deeply.
Also, in a healthy mouth, the bone level is high and the gums attach at the necks of the teeth. The exposed tooth surface is smooth; the floss can make full contact with the area to keep it thoroughly clean.
However, periodontal disease causes the bone levels to fall and the tooth attachments to recede. This exposes the root surfaces, which have indentions. Floss stretches across these indentions; it cannot remove the plaque that has formed in them.
Special tools are necessary to reach below 3 millimeters and to thoroughly clean the gum pockets and root indentions. Each tool is useful in different areas of your mouth.
We will be happy to recommend the right tools for your situation. We will also show you how to use these tools effectively to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dr. Rehder graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota. He received his master’s degree from George Washington University and his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University. He has been practicing since 1995. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association and Patuxent Dental Society. In his free time, Dr. Rehder enjoys downhill skiing, biking, travel and spending time with his wife and two young sons. He has also coached youth soccer.
Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.
~Review by Eileen S.
Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).
~Review by Mary Ellen M.
Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.
~Review by Elena C.
I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.
~Review by Paulina C.
Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.
~Review by Diane S.
Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.
~Review by Kenneth C.
The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.
~Review by Amanda C.
Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.
~Review by Patricia L.
Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.
~Review by Charles G.
Excellent.
~Review by Dom J.
