STARTING OFF WITH GOOD DENTAL CARE
Preventive Care
Preventive services are where most of us come in contact with a dental professional. They include: radiographs, cancer screening, fluoride, sealants, and of course, the cleaning.
Our radiographs are all digital and use about 30% of the radiation that a traditional film would require and we try to carefully apply the ALARA principle when deciding what and when to take images. Radiographs are an important component in a complete record. A current full set is considered the standard of care when going through the diagnostic phase. If you have had a set of xrays recently taken, please have them emailed to our office prior to that appointment. In addition to radiographs, we also use intraoral photographs to document soft tissue and other conditions that may not show up well in an x-ray.
A thorough health history, including vitals, is an important part of your record. Prior to your first appointment, you will receive a text or email asking for your complete health history. Please do your best to answer honestly and completely answer each question. This may prevent confusion or complications in your treatment.
In Office Prevention
Fluoride has a long history of helping to prevent tooth decay, The ADA has set recommended levels for toothpaste and in office varnish. We can apply this long lasting varnish to the teeth of youngsters, as well as adults, who are struggling with decay.
A good preventive cleaning is just that, a preventive cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will remove any tartar (calculus) that is at or above the gingival margin and polish off any extrinsic stains to improve your gum health. This will aid you in keeping your teeth clean at home. Sometimes the calculus has stayed long enough or deep enough to cause periodontal disease. When that is the case we will discuss and recommend a regimen to help you get back to good oral health.
Definitions
Gingivitis
The longer plaque and tarter are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”) In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. To treat periodontitis, your dentist or hygienist will need to do a deep cleaning called “scaling and root planing.”
Oral Hygiene
Proper brushing and flossing
The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Mouthwash
Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal disease. ADA-Accepted antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes have substantiated these claims by demonstrating significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that use of a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone. Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.
Sealants
Sealants have been in use for decades and consist of a layer that flows into the pits and grooves after a cleaning to seal out food and bacteria. They are particularly useful for those in between ages where kids are brushing their own teeth but haven’t yet established quality oral care habits. Adults who are prone to oral bacteria would also benefit from sealants.
Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult—sometimes impossible—to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.
Sealants protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can be caused by various problems. Oral examination can help determine the cause.Broken or Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth can be treated either by cosmetic bonding or porcelain restoration.Cavities & Decay
We use modern technology to detect decay in the earliest stages, saving and preserving your teeth.Tooth Stains
We offer a couple of whitening procedures to brighten your teeth and return the smile to your face.Request an appointment at a time that is convenient to you. Our staff will contact you to confirm availability.