Diagnostic & Preventive Services

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Complete Oral Examination & Digital x-rays

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‘;}[/insert_php]Here we examine all of the hard and soft tissues for caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease. Below is a description of some other techniques we use to aid us in detecting disease early.

• Periodontal Screening & Probing: This technique is used in the early detection of gum disease which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Because periodontal disease is painless, most people do not even realize that they have it! In some cases, unless your gums are probed and measured for pocketing, even a dental professional would not know if you have gum disease. The latest medical literature suggests that periodontal disease may play a role in heart disease, respiratory disease and premature pregnancies.

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Prophylaxis (Dental Cleanings)

‘;}[/insert_php]Dental exams and cleanings are routine checkups that deal with a person’s mouth, teeth, and overall oral health. They are performed by a licensed dentist with the help of a dental hygienist. A typical dental checkup routine compromises of a cleaning and a formal examination, which often includes a dental x-ray. If a dentist notices an oral health problem during the examination, there may also be a treatment plan added on to the appointment. To maintain strong and healthy teeth, it is recommended to have a dental exam once every six months.

During a cleaning, either the dentist or dental hygienist will perform a professional teeth cleaning. This is meant to polish the patient’s teeth and remove any debris, plaque, tartar, or stains. If the patient is a child or teenager, this is also the time when the dentist will teach the child how to brush teeth and floss correctly. The cleaning can be performed before or after the dental examination.

During the actual exam, the dentist will check for possible dental problems. These include gum disease, oral cancer, an abnormal bite, missing or broken teeth, and the overall cosmetic appearance of the teeth. This is also the time to check up on any unresolved dental problems that were noticed during a previous checkup. Exams often also entail an x-ray that look for tooth root decay and cavities. If a patient does have any oral health problems, the dentist will draw up a treatment plan during the appointment. The treatment will either be carried out during the exam or scheduled for a future date.

Maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings are important because oral health is connected to overall health. Regular appointments allow dentists to fix teeth related health problems right away as well as prevent them from getting worse.
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‘;}[/insert_php]If you, or a family member, are at a moderate-to-high risk of developing caries, a professional fluoride treatment can help. The fluoride preparation used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or fluoride mouth rinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy. Professional fluoride treatments generally take just a few minutes. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam or varnish. Typically, it is applied with a cotton swab or brush, or it is used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes.
After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic carious areas.
Depending on your oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six or twelve months. Your dentist also may recommend additional preventive measures if you are at a moderate or high risk of developing caries. These measures may include over-the-counter or prescription therapeutic products such as fluoride mouthrinses, gels or antibacterial mouthrinses.[insert_php]if(!wp_is_mobile()){echo ‘

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Oral Hygiene Instruction

‘;}[/insert_php]A. Proper brushing Techniques

[insert_php]if(!wp_is_mobile()){echo ‘‘;}[/insert_php] 1. Always use a soft bristled toothbrush
2. Use anti-cavity Fluoride toothpaste
3. Hold toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line, brushing in a circular motion
4. Brush teeth for a minimum of two minutes at least twice a day.
5. Brush gums and tongue along with your teeth.
6. Don’t brush too hard because this can cause gingival (gum) recession.

[insert_php]if(!wp_is_mobile()){echo ‘‘;}[/insert_php] B. Proper flossing technique and the reason for flossing

1. Use an arms length (18 inches) of floss. Wrap around fingers mostly to one side.
2. Floss each tooth forming a “C” shape with the floss each time.
3. A new area of floss should be introduced into each gingival pocket.
4. Don’t forget to floss behind your last molar.
5. Flossing removes plaque from behind your teeth that brushing misses.
6. Flossing helps prevent periodontal disease by removing plaque.
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Sealants Pit & Fissure

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The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses some of these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Enter sealants, which are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices on the tops of your teeth.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn’t become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by etching the tooth with an abrasive substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every 5 to 10 years.

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Mouthguards & Nightguards

‘;}[/insert_php]Helps prevent sports related injuries and damage to the temporomandibular joints in patients who clench or grind their teeth.

Video of Mouthguards

(click to play)