Preventive measures, such as dental cleanings, the application of dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and the fabrication of custom oral appliances, are integral to safeguarding teeth and gums against decay, disease, and injury. With the use of advanced technologies and materials, such as ultrasonic devices and safe resin for sealants, preventive dentistry offers comprehensive care focused on preserving dental health and preventing future complications.
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Low radiation digital imaging allows for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.
Our office can fabricate custom oral appliances that can protect your teeth and gums during sports, alleviate sleep apnea symptoms to provide an open airway while you sleep, or relieve stress on the temporomandibular joint caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Dental cleaning shouldn’t be painful, although it may be uncomfortable at times, particularly when there is a lot of tartar to remove. The good news is that when you visit us every six months for cleanings, brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once a day, the amount of tartar on your teeth should be minimal.
Dental cleaning involves tooth scaling, which removes accumulated plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, and then tooth polishing, which creates a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for new plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Yes, in its earliest stages, gum disease can be cured. Scaling and root planing often succeeds in reversing gum disease by removing plaque from below the gumline and smoothing the roots of the teeth to eliminate the deep pockets where bacteria collects. This stops the progression of gum disease in its tracks and allows the inflamed tissue to heal.
The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It’s important to get prompt treatment at this stage of the disease before permanent damage to soft tissues, bone, and teeth occurs.
If you have a choice between the two options, it’s always advisable to opt for the root canal. Although root canals have a reputation for being painful, modern endodontic techniques and anesthesia make the procedure no more painful than having a cavity filled. A root canal allows us to save your natural tooth, which is the goal of dentistry. With an extraction, bone loss may eventually occur, leading to a weakened bite, malocclusion, and compromised oral health.
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, you should go to the dentist promptly. Most patients need their wisdom teeth removed. If you’re one of the rare people who has sufficient room for wisdom teeth to erupt without issue, they’re still vulnerable to decay and gum disease due to their location in the back of the mouth, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment.
