OUR DENTAL HYGIENISTS
Our hygienists give thorough and gentle teeth cleanings. They practice family dentistry in a "no lecture zone" environment. You won't be lectured about the condition of your mouth or how come you're not brushing or flossing three times a day! They won't upsell or pressure or push you into any unnecessary treatment.
STUDYING YOUR TECHNIQUES
We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where they're needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, dental sealants for children to help prevent tooth decay or nightguards to protect against bruxism and TMJ.
If we suspect you are suffering from gingivitis or a more severe gum disease, we may recommend a Deep Cleaning called Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you keep your natural teeth.
ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS
During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more) is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
SCALING & ROOT PLANING
Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments.
It is important to remove the plaque and tartar from the pockets because aside from the bacterial toxins that irritate the gums, plaque and the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to gain a foothold.