Prevention
A preventive program works best if it is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist and dental staff.
Preventing dental disease ultimately begins at home with you. A balanced diet, and good oral hygiene are the basic ingredients necessary to maintain a beautiful smile. This is enhanced by a continuous relationship with your dentist and dental hygienists to promote, restore and monitor your oral health.
Preventative treatment is as simple as regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays.
Prevention can help to avoid serious and expensive dental problem and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Dental Exam
At your first visit, a comprehensive and thorough examination will be performed by your dentist. At regular check ups, your dentist and hygienist will:
- Examine diagnostic x-rays: X-rays are absolutely necessary for detecting decay, tumors, cysts, and bone level/ loss. X-rays determine tooth and root position and anatomy. Regular x-rays are essential for early detection and prevention of serious dental problems.
- Screen for oral cancer: the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums are checked for signs of oral cancer
- Evaluate for gum disease: check the soft tissue (gums) and bone for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examine for cavities: all tooth surfaces will be checked for tooth decay with special dental instruments and x-rays.
- Examine existing dental restorations: all current fillings, crowns, other restorative work will be checked.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings for adults are performed by our highly trained and qualified Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental examination and:
- Removal of tartar (scaling/ root planing): calculus (tartar) is hardened and calcified plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is firmly attached to the tooth/ root surface. Calculus can only be removed with special dental instruments, and cannot be effectively removed by yourself at home.
- Removal of plaque: plaque is a sticky colorless film that forms on the teeth. It consists of bacteria, food and saliva. Accumulation of plaque can lead to tooth decay, inflammation of gums, and periodontal disease.
- Teeth polishing: this removes any stain or plaque not otherwise removed during scaling, and gives the teeth a smooth finish.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride strengthens the teeth by slowing down demineralization of the enamel and increasing the rate of remineralization thereby making the teeth more resistant to decay. Although fluoride does not prevent cavities, it can slow down the rate at which they develop. Topical fluoride is common in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses and gels. As part of your regular maintenance, fluoride treatments are administered twice a year as part of your cleaning and check-up appointment.
Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays are a critical component of a comprehensive dental examination. Without x-rays it is impossible to detect tooth decay, periodontal disease, developmental abnormalities, cysts or abscesses, tumors, tooth and root position, and problems inside a tooth and below the gum line. Early detection and treatment can save you considerable discomfort, time, and money.
- Are dental x-rays safe?- Dental xrays produce a very low level of radiation and are considered safe. The amount of radiation exposure from dental xrays is no more than what our daily exposure is from natural sources (like the sun). In addition to this, our office is equipped with digital xray technology which further reduces radiation exposure. Dental xrays are absolutely necessary for a complete diagnosis.
- How often should xrays be taken?- This is determined on an individual basis, considering your medical/ dental history, symptoms, risk for disease, and other factors. A comprehensive set of xrays is taken at your first visit, and bitewing xrays (taken while your teeth are biting) are usually taken at check up visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
