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Preventative Dentistry


Routine cleaning and checkup every six months
This appointment will include:
  • A dental cleaning (oral prophylaxis) to remove hard deposits (calculus or tarter), soft deposits (plaque) and superficial stains (from tea, coffee, smoking, etc.) from the teeth. The dental hygienist will also evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and provide the patient education and oral hygiene instruction as needed.
  • Bitewing x-rays (taken once per year) will help detect dental disease that cannot be seen with a visual exam alone (problems between the teeth, under existing crowns and fillings, etc.)
  • An examination by the dentist to evaluate your dental needs and discuss any concerns you may have.
  • A topical fluoride varnish applied to strengthen the teeth.

 

Sealants
During routine checkup appointments, the dentist will evaluate children's permanent teeth as they erupt to determine if sealants are needed. Sealants are a preventative procedure where a thin plastic coating is applied to the chewing surface of permanent molars that have deep, developmental pits and fissures. These areas, if left untreated, are highly susceptible to tooth decay.

 

Patient Education
We believe that an important part of oral health depends on your knowledge of the many different things that occur inside your mouth. During your appointments we will explain what is happening and why, so that you completely understand your treatment. Our staff is committed to taking continuing education courses to ensure that we can keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

 

Periodontal Therapy and Referrals
In certain circumstances, a routine six-month cleaning is not sufficient to achieve optimal dental health. Examples of these circumstances include:
  • If a year (or more) has elapsed since your last dental visit, the amount of calculus present and the resulting inflammation in the gums will require a deep cleaning.
  • In cases of gum disease, or inflammation of the gums and deterioration of the bone structure surrounding the teeth, the dentist will recommend scaling and root planning. This procedure is more extensive and intensive than a routine cleaning, and is generally done with anesthesia. It can help reduce the inflammation in the gums, shrink the depths of the pockets between the gum and the tooth, and create a healthier oral environment.

Following this procedure, periodontal maintenance cleanings will be done three or four times per year to monitor the condition of the gums. If the condition does not improve and stabilize, we will make a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist) for further evaluation and treatment.

 

Nightguard/Mouthguard
These devices can protect your teeth from excessive wear caused by grinding (bruxism) or clenching during sleep and from injury during sports activities. For more information please visit our education center.