Preventative Services

Exam & Xrays

X-rays are an important component of your dental examination. X-rays show dental providers a lot. Our providers can see the condition of your teeth, roots, jaw placement and facial bone composition.

They also help them find and treat dental problems early in their development by detecting problems that cannot be seen with just the eye during the clinical exam. Finding and treating problems early in their development may save you money, avoid discomfort (if these problems are treated later) and possibly even save your life.

Oral Cancer Screening

The oralID is a screening device using UV light used to detect oral cancer. This examination allows us to visualize any oral mucosal abnormalities including cancer and dysplasia (pre-cancer) before they can be detected with the naked eye.

The procedure is quick, painless and no rinses or dyes are used.

Who is at risk?

Tobacco and alcohol consumers and HPV infection.

Cleanings

During your dental examination your gums are also evaluated to determine the type of cleaning that you need to best treat your oral health.

Prophylaxis is a standard procedure that is performed by the hygienist each time you have a dental cleaning. Prophylaxis is recommended when gums are typically healthy and this type of cleaning does not go subgingival or underneath the gums. Prophylaxis should be performed every 6 months. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any anesthesia and does not require any post-procedure care beyond normal brushing and flossing.

Fluoride is a varnish that helps strengthens the tooth’s enamel and reduces sensitivity and cavities. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) stronger and more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.
This is typically applied after hygiene cleanings by painting on the surface of the teeth. Afterwards, we recommend you allow it to set in as long as you can but at least for 1 hour of no eating or drinking.

A sealant is a protective, composite, or plastic material that is placed in the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They are meant to help prevent cavities in children by protecting these pits and grooves from getting food stuck in them. Teeth are prepared for sealants with a thorough cleaning, followed by the application of a specialized dental solution. This solution roughens the chewing surfaces, making it easier for the sealant material to adhere to the teeth. The sealant material is then painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and a curing light is used to harden it into a sealant. If the teeth receive regular care, sealants can last several years before requiring a reapplication.

Scaling & Root planning & Full Mouth Debridement Periodontitis, or gum disease, is the infection of the gum tissue that supports the teeth. It is the most common reason for tooth loss in adults. It is characterized by swollen, bleeding gums that pull away from the teeth. Periodontitis is caused by plaque, the sticky film that covers teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. The tartar builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums, causing periodontitis.
- There are several stages of periodontitis. The first (and least severe) stage is known as gingivitis. During this stage, gums are red and swollen but have not started to pull away from the teeth. Gingivitis can usually be reversed by a full mouth debridement followed by meticulous brushing and flossing.
- Following scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), periodontal maintenance cleanings are recommended between three to four times a year depending on how mild or severe the case may be. During these maintenance visits, your hygienist will clean all teeth like in a regular cleaning but additionally the areas being affected by periodontitis will be maintained clean and healthy too.

Arestin

Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic placed below your gumline to target bacteria where scaling and root planning can’t reach. These antibiotics are useful for targeting and fighting the disease at its source. Targeting bacteria in areas where instruments can’t reach, such as the: cemento-enamel junction, dentinal tubules, and gingival epithelium. Combined with SRP (scaling & root planning), Arestin provides better results than SRP alone. Arestin reduces gum pocket depth by nearly 40% more, reduces harmful bacteria by nearly 2x more, and reduces gum bleeding 2x more effectively.

Tips after treatment: not to touch the treated area, wait to brush for 12 hours, and do not floss in the treated area for ten days. Always follow up because bacteria is persistent and your infection can return, and keep your scheduled appointments so your dental professional can re-examine your gums to make sure the infection is under control and measures your success.

Preventative Products

Crest Oral-B Water Flosser– is great to get food out of underneath bridges, implants or in between teeth. It deep cleans and detoxifies along the gumline with its featured OxyJet that targets and helps eliminate bacteria for healthier gums.

Crest Oral-B Genius and new Crest Oral-B Oi- has been found that people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes do all the hard work by brushing at vibrations at the adequate speed to remove plaque. They also notify you when you are brushing too hard to avoid damage to enamel. Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care and prevention; electric toothbrushes facilitate that habit.

Other products offered: Perio-Med, clin-pro and peridex rinses. Ask your hygienist the benefits of their use.

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