Cleaning & Prevention
Cleaning & Prevention
A preventive program is a team effort between you, your dentist, and the dental team to maintain oral health and prevent disease. It begins with proper hygiene and a balanced diet at home, followed by regular exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Treatments like sealants and fluoride also help prevent problems. Focusing on prevention helps avoid costly dental issues and keeps your smile healthy and confident.
Digital Radiographs
Digital radiographs offer clearer, faster, and more eco-friendly imaging. They reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film and can be instantly enhanced on a screen. These images are easy to store, share, and compare, helping detect issues like decay, bone loss, and fractures early. The process uses an electronic sensor instead of film, providing results in seconds and offering a detailed view of teeth and jawbones to improve diagnosis and treatment planning.
Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras give patients a clear, magnified view of their teeth, helping them understand diagnoses and treatment options. The pen-sized camera records video of the mouth, magnified up to 30x, revealing hidden issues like gum disease or oral cancer. It supports dental education, aids in treatment planning, and tracks progress. Comfortable and non-invasive, it eliminates radiation exposure, making it an essential diagnostic tool.
Simple Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction may be needed due to severe sensitivity, advanced gum disease, extra teeth, or preparation for orthodontics. Other reasons include severe decay or baby teeth.
The dentist will take X-rays and numb the area with local anesthesia. The tooth is loosened using an elevator tool and removed with forceps. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into pieces. Gauze is placed to control bleeding, and stitches may be used. If you are feeling unwell before your appointment, please contact the office to reschedule.
Dental Exams & Cleanings
A dental exam includes X-rays to check for decay, tumors, and bone loss, an oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, decay assessment, and inspection of existing restorations.
Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque, prevent gum inflammation, and polish teeth to eliminate stains and plaque missed by brushing.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography uses an electronic sensor to capture dental X-ray images, reducing radiation exposure by 80-90% compared to traditional X-rays. It helps detect abscesses, bone loss, tumors, decay, and abnormalities. Digital X-rays are faster, more comfortable, and eco-friendly, with no chemicals involved.
X-rays are safe with precautions, including lead aprons and limited exposure. A full series is recommended for new patients, and bite-wing X-rays are taken annually or bi-annually for check-ups.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel in two ways:
- Topical Fluoride: Strengthens erupted teeth through toothpaste, rinses, and professional treatments.
- Systemic Fluoride: Strengthens developing teeth from food, water, and supplements.
Fluoride is especially important for children and can be prescribed if needed. However, excessive fluoride can lead to fluorosis. Professional fluoride treatments may be recommended for individuals with poor oral hygiene, sensitive teeth, or a high risk of decay.
Remember, fluoride alone isn’t enough—regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are essential for preventing decay.
Home Care
Maintain a healthy smile with proper home care:
- Tooth Brushing: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a 45-degree angle with gentle circular motions, covering all tooth surfaces and your tongue. Electric toothbrushes are also effective.
- Flossing: Floss daily to clean between teeth and below the gumline. Use 12-16 inches of floss, guiding it gently around each tooth.
- Rinsing: Rinse with water after brushing and meals. Ask your dentist for recommendations on the right mouthwash.
Consider additional tools like interdental brushes or tongue cleaners as advised by your dentist. Consistent care controls plaque and bacteria, helping prevent dental issues.
i-CAT® 3D Imaging
i-CAT® scans are advanced 3D imaging tools in dentistry that provide detailed views of the mouth and skull. They offer clear images of bone structure, tissue, nerves, and density, making them ideal for planning dental implants and oral surgery. Compared to traditional X-rays, i-CAT® scans use less radiation and take less than 30 seconds to complete.
Uses of i-CAT® scans:
- Assess jawbone quality and density for implants
- Locate nerves and detect early-stage tumors or diseases
- Plan implant placement (size, angle, and position)
- View impacted teeth and assess tooth orientation
Procedure: The patient remains still while the cone beam captures hundreds of images to create a 3D model. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and comfortable, helping to reduce treatment time, lower costs, and improve surgical outcomes.
Oral Cancer Exam
Oral cancer affects over 30,000 people annually, with early detection through regular exams improving treatment outcomes. Smoking and excessive alcohol use are the most common risk factors.
Common Areas Affected: Lips, Mouth, Tongue, Salivary glands, Throat (oropharyngeal region), Gums, Face
Signs to Watch For:
- Red patches, sores, or slow-healing lesions
- Leukoplakia (white or gray patches)
- Lumps or thickened tissue in the mouth or throat
Oral Cancer Exam: During an exam, your dentist will visually inspect and palpate your mouth, glands, and neck for abnormalities. Lasers may be used to detect hidden issues. If abnormalities are found, further tests like a biopsy may be recommended.
Regular check-ups are important, but an annual oral cancer screening is essential for early detection and effective treatment.
Oral Hygiene Aids
Daily dental care is key to preventing problems. Here are essential tools for maintaining oral health:
- Floss: Removes plaque and food; use twice a day.
- Interdental Brushes: Clean between teeth; use with floss.
- Mouth Rinses: Reduce plaque and cavities.
- Oral Irrigators: Clean below the gum line, but not a substitute for brushing.
- Rubber Tip Stimulators: Clean gums and improve blood flow.
- Tongue Cleaners: Remove bacteria and improve breath.
- Toothbrushes: Electric brushes are most effective; replace every 3 months.
Brushing, flossing, and using these tools daily will keep your smile healthy.
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-rays (Panorex®) offer a broad view of the face and teeth, revealing areas regular X-rays miss. They help detect wisdom teeth, cavities, fractures, and bone loss. Unlike bitewing X-rays, panoramic X-rays are used when needed to examine the sinuses, nasal areas, and mandibular nerve.
Common uses:
- Assess gag reflex issues
- Evaluate TMJ progression
- Detect cysts, impacted teeth, and fractures
- Plan treatments like dentures, braces, and implants
- Reveal gum disease and cavities
A rotating arm and film attachment capture detailed images of the upper and lower jaw. Panoramic X-rays are safer, using less radiation, and are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to protect deep grooves from decay. Since over 75% of dental decay starts in these grooves, sealants help prevent cavities by providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that lasts for years with regular check-ups.
Sealants are recommended for:
- Children and teenagers (6-16 years) when the first molars emerge
- Adults with deep grooves but no decay
- Occasionally for baby teeth prone to cavities
The application process is quick: the teeth are cleaned, a bonding solution is applied, and the sealant is painted on and hardened. Regular dental visits and good home care will help maintain sealant effectiveness.