Preventive
Prevention is at the heart of our approach to dental health. Practicing good oral health habits at home, as well as regular check-ups, cleanings, and x-rays, are our most important tools for avoiding dental problems.
Cleanings
Our mission is to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime! In order to accomplish this goal, regular checkups and cleanings are necessary to prevent conditions such as cavities and gum disease. At your checkup visit, your teeth, and gums will be examined by a doctor to make sure everything is healthy, and an experienced hygienist will clean your teeth of any plaque or tartar that has built up over time, leaving you with a fresh, clean, and brilliant smile.
Digital Imaging
X-ray images are part of your dental exam periodically because they allow us to see parts of the teeth and jawbones that are invisible to the naked eye. This means we can catch issues like cavities early and prevent them from becoming bigger problems. We use exclusively digital radiography in our office, which allows us to produce high quality digital images, and significantly reduce the amount of radiation exposure to our patients and staff compared to conventional film x-rays.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride strengthens our teeth, both when they are developing, and after they’ve fully formed. During development, teeth that are exposed to fluoride grow stronger and more resistant to dental decay than those that are not. After teeth are fully developed, fluoride applied topically at our office can reverse cavities that are in the earliest stages of development, and make tooth structure more resistant to cavity development in the future! While many insurance plans only cover topical fluoride treatments for children, we are never too old for the benefits of fluoride. Topical fluoride applications are an important part of the work we do at your cleaning visit to prevent cavities and the discomfort and suffering that accompanies them.
Oral Cancer Screening
During your exam, the dentist and hygienist aren’t just checking your teeth and gums, but all of your oral tissues. This includes a screening for oral cancer at every exam. Like all other forms of cancer, oral cancers have a much better prognosis when caught early, which is one of the many reasons why regular dental exams are so important, even for patients with dentures!
Sealants
Dental sealants are a clear layer that seals the deep grooves in the chewing surfaces of our teeth and prevent food and bacteria from getting lodged deep inside and causing cavities. They are painless, require no numbing or anesthesia, and are one of the most effective steps we can take to prevent cavities, especially in children!
