Preventative Dentistry.

Prophylaxis/Cleaning -  Our dental hygienists will remove plaque, calculus and stain from exposed and unexposed surfaces of the teeth by scaling and polishing to maintain health and prevent the initiation of dental diseases.  We recommend a cleaning schedule based on your personal needs.  This may be as often as four times a year.

Fluoride - In our community we’re lucky.  Our children have a health advantage already in our drinking water (many bottled waters also) – fluoride.  We have a much lower cavity rate than areas in the country without fluoridation programs.

We can enhance this advantage, especially for children more prone to decay.  We recommend fluoride toothpaste for all our patients, and in some cases we apply topical fluoride after dental treatment to boost protection.  At your child’s next visit, we’ll assess his or her personal needs for fluoride supplements.  In the meantime, please call us with any questions you may have.

Digital X-rays -  A recent upgrade in our office, our digital x-ray system helps
us share more easily with you the importance of taking x-rays.  X-rays are among
the most valuable tools that a dentist has for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.

            For adults x-rays can:

• Show areas of decay that may not be apparent with just a visual examination, such as pits of decay that might occur between teeth
• Find cracks or other damage to existing fillings
• Alerts us to possible bone loss associated with periodontal disease
• Shows problems in the root canal such as infection or the death of a nerve
• Helps your dentist plan and prepare dental work
• Reveals possible abnormalities such as cysts, cancers and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases.

            For children x-rays can:

• Watch for decay
• Monitor tooth growth and development

Root Planing and Scaling - This is a procedure that removes bacteria and their toxins, tartar, and diseased deposits from the surfaces of the tooth roots.  Scaling is required the full length of the root surface, down to where the root, gum and bone meet.   Root planning is typically one of the first steps in treating gum and bone disease (periodontal disease).

Periodontal disease is very common, but does not always have distinct symptoms.  It is an inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth (gums, bone, ligaments, root surfaces) that could result in the loss of teeth.  You may notice that your gums bleed easily, that you have a bad taste in your mouth, or your gums appear red and swollen. On the other hand, you may not notice anything at all.