DENTAL EXAMS & CLEANING

Dental Exams

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental and oral health exam at your initial visit. This will include:

Examination of diagnostic radiographs (x-rays)
Oral cancer screening
Gum disease evaluation
Examination of tooth decay
Examination of existing restorations

Professional Dental Cleaning:

Professional dental cleanings (oral prophylaxis) are usually performed by the dentist or a registered dental hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar)

Removal of plaque

Teeth polishing

Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort and your teeth!

Dental x-rays may reveal

Abscesses or cysts

Bone loss

Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors

Decay between the teeth

Developmental abnormalities

Poor tooth and root positions

Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

A full mouth series or a panoramic view of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for two to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect any new dental problems.

Sealants

A sealant is a thin, composite coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. Most dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Reasons for sealants:

Children and teenagers

As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.

Adults

Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.

Baby teeth

Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is one of the most effective agents available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
Inadequate exposure to fluorides

Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments or medications
Recent history of dental decay
To help prevent dental caries under existing dental restorations

Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay!

It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary and acidic snacks, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Night Guards

The pain and discomfort of Bruxism, the grinding of your teeth while sleep, is shared by millions of people. The costs in pain, headaches, TMJ problems and tooth damage/sensitivity are usually too much to bear.

A Night Guard is a simple, affordable solution for protecting your teeth and jaw from the detrimental effects of nighttime teeth grinding. It consists of an acrylic tray that comfortably fits over your upper teeth. This creates a cushion between the upper and lower teeth and absorbs the force of grinding.

Ask your dentist how you can obtain your own custom-made night guard !!

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts at home by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Flossing

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies.

Tooth Brushing

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved toothbrush and toothpaste.