Preventive care is the cornerstone of your oral health and overall well-being. By maintaining excellent at-home oral hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, you can keep your smile free from oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health so you can tackle minor concerns before they become more significant, more costly, and more invasive problems.
We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.
Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your appointment, we will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, removing any plaque, tartar and debris. During the polishing, we can remove minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for patients without gum disease.
We are your partner in developing good oral hygiene habits. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as maintaining your professional cleanings. We recommend using a fluoride-based or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth that can’t be removed with brushing alone.
Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.
Fluoride treatments are scientifically shown to reverse early decay and strengthen enamel. Application of fluoride is simple and non-invasive. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes following your visit. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent teeth decay. While often recommended for children, sealants can still be a great option for patients of all ages.
Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to deep grooves of molars. These grooves are where plaque and bacteria can flourish eventually casing tooth decay. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to cavities.
Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can range from trauma, a knocked-out tooth or persistent acute toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.
When left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. Gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss can occur without proper treatment, so scheduling regular checkups for treatment is essential. Our team can keep gum disease from compromising your smile through a variety of periodontal treatments, such as deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing). If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily, if you have persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or notice any changes in your bite, get in touch with us today. We'll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on a healthy path.
While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of treatments and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Get in touch with us today to find out laser dentistry can benefit you!
At our office, we understand the importance of your comfort. That's why we provide sedation options, ensuring a painless, stress-free experience for even the most complex treatments. We even have an in-house anesthesiologist to ensure you receive the most appropriate care possible. Don't let fear hold you back; reach out today to explore our sedation options and let us find the best solution tailored just for you. Our sedation options range from nitrous oxide, to oral sedation and general anesthesia.
Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit. Through regular exams, we can detect oral cancer early, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!
Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps, bumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.
Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common problem that contributes to teeth problems and can affect the TMJ. Night guards can protect the teeth from grinding-related damage and further teeth wear. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials.
Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.
A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.
Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.