Preventive Dentistry

We want you to understand the importance of dental exams. As a non-invasive procedure, it is one of the most important things you can do for your dental health. We recommend that you come to see us every six months for a full exam and cleaning to stay on top of your oral health.

The American Dental Association recommends a routine check-up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment will include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.

Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone. The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough.

If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.

If you ever had gum disease before, you need proper periodontal maintenance to prevent it from coming back again. Periodontal maintenance is a more active form of treatment and is performed on patients who have gum disease or were treated for gum disease. Usually, this treatment is recommended to those people who have active moderate to severe chronic periodontal disease. Periodontal maintenance serves to keep the disease under control and stop its progress.

Periodontal maintenance requires more frequent visits than regular cleaning to remove the bacteria. When the plaque is not completely eliminated, bacteria colonize on the sticky film and proliferate in just three to 12 weeks or three months. After that period, it is necessary to once again reduce their numbers.

The Two-Minute Exam That Could Save Your Life!

An oral cancer screening is the best way to catch oral cancer in its earliest stages. Our dental office is proud to provide the most advanced standards of care available utilizing the VELscope Enhanced Oral Assessment system.  The VELscope helps us find oral disease early, including precancer and cancer, when it’s easier to treat.

If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), we recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.