Your dental professional is on the lookout for your whole body health. In addition to having your oral needs met we pay close attention to your medications and the adverse affects this plays in the oral environment. We also screen every patient for high blood pressure and will notify you of any concerns. Cardiovascular disease and your oral environment are related! Those who are diabetic will be advised to seek more frequent dental hygiene care to prevent periodontal disease.
Dental X-rays are recommended every 1-2 years depending on your risk of periodontal disease. Sometimes they are warranted for your own “peace of mind.” It’s nice to know that you are starting from a clean slate or where your dental needs lie. Your dental hygienist will view your x-rays to make a dental hygiene diagnosis, largely concerning periodontal disease and your risk for tooth loss. Front Door Dental uses state-of-the-art equipment including digital sensors and a portable handheld x-ray device. Your x-rays can be sent, via email, secure and protected to the dentist of your choosing at any time. If you are concerned about radiation think again! You accumulate more radiation from relaxing in the sunshine for 15 minutes, flying in an airplane, and eat vegetables from the ground than you do from a series x-rays taken with digital imagery.
Dental Hygiene Exam
A Dental Hygiene Exam is different than a dental exam performed by your dentist. Your hygienist will examine the health of your gum tissue and screen for any pockets that may collect food and bacteria. This allows a dental hygienist to properly diagnose the type of cleaning you may need. Not all dental cleanings are the same.
Standard Dental Prophylaxis
Approximately 30-40 minutes duration the adult prophylaxis removes light hard secretions “tartar” and light soft secretions “plaque” from above the gum. A thorough polish is provided and followed by a gentle floss.
Not all dental cleaning are the same! After reviewing your digital x-rays and performing a dental hygiene exam your hygienist will inform you about the appropriate dental cleaning to achieve your best smile. Periodontal therapy or what some people refer to as a “deep cleaning” is warranted when hard calcium deposits called “tartar” or “calculus” builds under the gum tissue, in periodontal pockets. The purpose of this therapy is to prevent Periodontal disease and future tooth loss. Periodontal disease warning signs include heavy bleeding while brushing, dark pink gum tissue, and bad breath or unpleasant taste.
Following any periodontal therapy your hygienist will recommend the appropriate frequency to have your teeth cleaned. No two people are the same and neither are our dental hygiene needs. Frequencies can range from two months to one year depending on your medical history, your periodontal status, your home care, and your ability to remember to brush two times a day whether you have your own teeth or replacement teeth.
Professional Fluoride Treatment
Numerous peer-reviewed studies show the effectiveness of 5% sodium fluoride varnish on the teeth. A concentrated dose of fluoride kills bacteria which causes cavities and hardens early soft spots to prevent decay. It is your choice to utilize fluoride in your treatment. Professional fluoride application is a complimentary service provided by your hygienist should it be warranted. We recommend everyone who struggles with dry mouth and tooth decay consider the pros versus the cons.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
Front Door Dental takes your best smile seriously. There is always room for improvement and it can be fun to learn something new! Oral Hygiene Instruction includes an introduction to a variety of new dental products for you to experiment with, denture care, or guardian or care staff intervention.
Oral Cancer Screening
Every patient of Front Door Dental is screened for oral cancers and abnormal pathologies. Your medical history is evaluated and your history of smoking and alcohol consumption is taken into consideration. The most common area to find oral cancer is on the tongue and throat. If an area of suspicion is located a referral will be made to your dentist or specialist.
Front Door Dental recommends that you visit your dentist two times a year to access the health of your teeth. A referral will be made to the dentist of your choosing and all x-rays will be emailed secure and encrypted. If you do not have a dentist Front Door Dental can recommend a list of trusted dentists and oral specialists in your area.