Daily brushing and flossing removes only some of the bacteria from your mouth. If allowed to build-up, bacteria adheres to the teeth, tongue, and soft tissue which becomes plaque, which over time can mineralize into a hard substance called calculus. Only professional cleanings can remove calculus.
Inadequate plaque control is the primary cause of gingivitis (inflamed gums), periodontitis (bacterial gum disease), and halitosis (bad breath). Patients can minimize bacterial accumulation through regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, and periodic dental hygiene appointments (dental prophylaxis).
The Hygiene Appointment
Professional cleanings and assessments enable dental professionals to remain abreast of your oral health status and they can provide guidance on steps to take to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular preventive dental visits allow problems to be identified early while they can be fixed easily and painlessly. We will find the right frequency for your cleaning appointment that fits your oral status and provide the best maintenance for your teeth and gums.
What Should You Expect?
During a standard appointment, a dental hygienist uses scaling instruments to remove the build-up of plaque and calculus from the teeth and soft tissue. The hygienist and dentist may:
• Screen for cancer and other diseases
• Evaluate supporting bone structure
• Check for cavities
• Assess the integrity existing dental restorations
• Take x-rays
• Apply Fluoride
• Evaluate aesthetic options
Professional Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride therapy has been proven beneficial in maintaining optimal oral health, particularly in the prevention of tooth decay and hypersensitivity. Since the introduction of fluoride into public water supplies more than 50 years ago, the incidence of cavities has declined dramatically by strengthening developing permanent teeth. However, professional fluoride treatments, combined with daily home therapy, can often times improve dental health. Treatment options vary according to a patient's susceptibility to decay, level of tooth sensitivity, periodontal (gum) condition and number of cosmetic restorations.
A professional fluoride treatment is an important part of your dental cleaning. The fluoride treatment will enhance the ability of your tooth surface to resist acid attacks and decay and replace the layer that is removed during tooth scaling and polishing.
Professional Take-Home Solutions
If you've ever had a questionable area of decay, tooth sensitivity, or bleeding gums within the last year, a professional take-home fluoride may be necessary. Your dental professional will recommend the most appropriate fluoride based on your oral condition. Daily fluoride therapy may also be helpful for patients with orthodontic appliances, or those with exposed root surfaces.
Sealants
Like fluoride, dental sealants can give today's children a head start on good oral health. A sealant is a clear resin material that is applied directly to cavity-prone chewing surfaces and grooves of the back teeth, providing protection against decay.
Sealants are most beneficial when applied to the permanent teeth as soon as they erupt. The sealant is simply placed on the teeth, and a special light is aimed at the area to harden the material so that it adheres. It is important to note that sealants do not eliminate the need for daily home care. Children still should be taught to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss.
Tooth-colored fillings are an alternative to traditional metal fillings and fall into two categories; direct and indirect. Direct restorations are composite resins applied in one appointment. Indirect restorations (inlays or onlays) are made of porcelain or composite resin materials fabricated by a dental laboratory. These restorations usually take two appointments.
Dental implants enable dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in an innovative way. Used to replace one or more missing teeth, implants are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. And, because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth. A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a crown bridge or denture.
The implant is surgically replaced into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the implant securely attaches to the bone (called "osseointegration"), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
The most common indications for implant therapy are:
What Happens At The First Appointment?
To determine the appropriate site for the implant replacement, dentists typically take x-rays. Some may prescribe CT scans as well. Impressions are taken of the mouth and then used by the dental laboratory to create a customized restoration. Many dentists fabricate surgical guides to simplify the placement of implants.
The implant is left undisturbed for three to six months to allow it to osseointegrate with the bone. If the implant is in a visible area of the mouth, the patient may choose to wear a temporary prosthesis during the healing period. Dentures may be relined with soft liners to allow patients to comfortably wear them during the healing process.
What Happens At Subsequent appointments?
Once the implant has been completely integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. The dentist then creates the permanent tooth replacement in the form of a crown, bridge, or attachments to dentures for better retention.
We understand the importance and power of a dazzling smile, making sure patients are comfortable not only with their new smile, but also with how their smile “fits” their facial features. Using a special “smile guide” allows us to choose not only the shapes and sizes of the teeth, but also create the smile you always dreamed of having. During the initial consultation at our office we will take time to evaluate not only your dental condition but also your ultimate smile desires and expectations.
In our office, extreme smile makeovers in most cases include Tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, crown, invisalign, implants, or a combination of these and other procedures.
A Word About Dental Insurance
Our front desk staff will be more than happy to prepare all the necessary forms for this important benefit. However, we would like to remind you that your policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, not between your insurance company and our office. Although we cannot guarantee the estimated coverage, we’ll do our best to see that you receive the maximum benefits that you are entitled to.