As they say: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This saying couldn’t be more true when discussing oral health. Virtually all dental problems can be successfully prevented in their early stages with the help of diligent oral hygiene, regular checkups and cleanings, and other important preventive care.
Having a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health, reports the Academy of General Dentistry. At your dental cleaning our hygienists will remove the harmful plaque bacteria and tartar from the teeth that can cause dental disease and give you helpful techniques with brushing and flossing to keep your smile bright, and healthy. We will look closely at your mouth and evaluate for any problems or issues as soon as they arise to keep treatment as simple as possible.
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is one of the most common health problems on the planet, not to mention a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. Gum pockets, or areas in which the gum separates from the teeth, is a prime target for plaque and tartar to build-up. During a periodontal cleaning, any plaque or tartar accumulation will be removed from above and below the gum line preventing the progression of disease in your mouth.
We offer additional Periodontal Care services to help to stop disease progressions and maintain the health of your mouth including:
Laser Periodontal Therapy : The laser energy is focused in the periodontal pocket and kills the destructive bacteria that cause gum disease.
Perio Protect Trays: Perio Protect Trays are a non-surgical treatment for Periodontal Disease. These trays are custom made for each patient and are designed to deliver medication under the gumline in the area that brushing and flossing can not reach.
Arestin Therapy: Arestin is a tetracycline based antibiotic that is placed below the gumline into a periodontal pocket. The medication is released over a two-week period to kill the harmful bacteria that destroy the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. The reduction of the bacteria allows your body to start to heal itself.
Perioscopy: Perioscopy is an advanced non-surgical endoscope procedure utilizing a small fiber-optic camera that lights up and magnifies the treatment area. The Perioscope is attached to an instrument that is gently placed beneath the gumline. Once in place, the periscope displays a 50X magnified and illuminated view of the root surfaces and gum tissues on a computer screen. Hard and soft deposits are removed and root surfaces are inspected for health while viewing the image on the computer screen.
In some cases, regenerative proteins, Emdogain, can be utilized to stimulate the body’s healing response with reduced inflammation and inhibition of bacteria. Emdogain aids in the reattachment of the gum tissue to the root and, in some cases promote bone repair.
Benefits of Perioscopy:
• Offers a modern, minimally invasive approach to periodontal care
• Carries little-to-no post-treatment downtime
• May reduce the need for gum surgery
• Does not involve incisions or sutures
• Can be a cost-effective alternative to surgical care
Years of dedicated research have demonstrated a clear link between safe exposure to fluoride (a naturally occurring mineral) and healthier, stronger teeth that are less prone to decay. While fluoride is found all around us, including in the tap water we drink, an in-office professional fluoride application may be indicated for you during your preventative check-ups.
A technique that halts decay and seals teeth using two products: silver diamond fluoride (SDF) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) sealant/restoration in a single appointment, without numbness or drilling.
Do you regularly wake up with jaw pain? Do your teeth seem worn-down or flat? These scenarios are common signs of bruxism, which is more commonly known as “teeth grinding.” A custom-made Splint or mouth guard can manage these symptoms and stop the teeth wearing. These devices are designed to keep teeth separated to avoid the damage caused by clenching and grinding. They can be made of hard acrylic or soft materials and fit over your upper or lower teeth.
Developing good oral health habits early on can set your child up for a lifelong healthy mouth and smile. Educating both parents and our pediatric patients on oral health help reinforce the routines that will keep kids' mouths decay-free. Our goal is to make children feel comfortable during treatment and make going to the dentist fun!