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Gum pocket measurements show how closely the gums attach to the teeth, helping dentists assess gum health and identify signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. At Heather J. Petroff, DDS, in Broadview Heights, OH, periodontal charting records these periodontal measurements along with findings such as bleeding, recession, and bone loss,… Read More…

Many patients benefit from a dental exam and cleaning every six months, but the ideal schedule depends on factors such as cavity risk, gum health, age, medical history, existing restorations, and previous dental disease. At Heather J. Petroff, DDS, in Broadview Heights, OH, routine dental cleanings and each dental checkup… Read More…

If you’ve recently been told you have gingivitis, the good news is that this early stage of gum disease is often reversible with professional dental cleanings, good oral hygiene habits, and consistent preventive dental care. At Heather J. Petroff, DDS, we help patients throughout Broadview Heights, OH understand how plaque… Read More…

Although plaque and tartar are closely related, they’re not the same thing—and understanding the difference is an important part of protecting your smile. At Heather J. Petroff, DDS, we help patients throughout Broadview Heights, OH learn how plaque develops, why it hardens into tartar, and why a professional dental cleaning,… Read More…

Both fluoride treatments and dental sealants are effective tools for cavity prevention, but they protect children’s teeth in different ways. Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help make teeth more resistant to decay, while dental sealants create a protective barrier over the deep grooves where cavities commonly develop. In this… Read More…

Many dental concerns begin beneath the surface, long before they cause pain or visible symptoms. Dental X-rays allow your dentist to detect hidden dental problems such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and early signs of gum disease that may not be visible during a visual exam… Read More…

Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of preventive dental care, but not every cleaning serves the same purpose. While a routine dental cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar to keep your smile healthy, a deep cleaning and periodontal therapy are designed to address active gum disease and infection beneath… Read More…

Untreated gum disease can affect the foundation that supports dental implants by contributing to bone loss, inflammation, and challenges during healing. While periodontal disease does not automatically prevent patients from receiving dental implants, healthy gums and adequate bone support are important factors in long-term implant success. At Heather J. Petroff,… Read More…

Dental implants are often the longest-lasting tooth replacement option available today, but how long they actually last depends on several factors, including bone support, bite forces, oral hygiene, and ongoing maintenance. This article compares dental implants in Broadview Heights, OH to dental bridges and dentures, explains what influences long-term success,… Read More…

Routine dental cleanings and deep cleanings are not the same thing, and understanding the difference can help you take better care of your gums. A regular dental cleaning is preventive care designed to maintain healthy gums, while a deep cleaning is a periodontal treatment used to address gum disease that… Read More…