Preventative

Cleanings | Sealants | Night Guards/Mouth Guards | Fluoride
Oral Cancer Screening

Cleanings

The amount of time your cleaning will last is dependant upon several factors: the amount of plaque buildup, the complication of your current dental restorations and your overall gingival health. On average, a cleaning will take about 25 to 30 minutes. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planning and polishing.

Scaling refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. An appropriate type of scaling is used in relation to the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists perform traditional scaling by hand. However, advances in technology have led to more modern methods, such as electric scalers, which allow dental cleaning to be done in much shorter period of time. To achieve the best results, electric and manual scaling techniques are combined during your dental cleaning.

Root planning refers to cleaning of pockets to stop further gum problems. It is usually used to treat periodontal conditions where there is moderate to advanced gum disease. When the gum is inflamed, the pockets become deeper and lose bone connections inside. As the pockets become deeper, it is easier for plaque deposits to be trapped and make the gum worse.

Polishing refers to rubbing the surface of the teeth to remove any remaining plaque. There are two kinds of polishing - air polishing and rubber tip polishing. Polishing is usually done after the standard cleaning as a finishing touch.

Sealants

The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Night Guards/Mouth Guards

Dental night guards are designed to be removable and are worn during the evenings and at bedtime. Night guards are an effective option for a variety of dental issues, including the treatment and prevention of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). Symptoms of TMJ include chronic jaw pain and gritting or grinding of teeth. Untreated symptoms can lead to tooth displacement, bone loss and fracturing of the teeth. If you are experiencing difficulties with any of the above symptoms contact us today.

Mouth Guards, also known as mouth protectors, typically cover the upper teeth and can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, we may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well. If you or your child are actively involved in a sporting activity then contact us to determine how a Mouth Guard can protect you and your teeth.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.

Oral Cancer Screening

If you are at risk for oral cancer, then a comprehensive screening is a healthy and necessary precaution. If you are a smoker, use smokeless tobacco products, or have a family history of oral cancer please be sure to request a oral cancer screening as a part of your dental treatment. If you use tobacco products and have a concern about oral cancer please contact us today to schedule your oral cancer screening.

As a part of good oral health it has been shown by the American Dental Association that quitting smoking can lead not only to healthier living but better oral health as well. If you are interested in quitting smoking we can provide resources, information and prescription medication to assist you with this process.