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Preventative Treatment:

Dental Exam & Cleaning

Dental Exam - Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam on your initial visit. The following will be included during your

Regular check up exam:

Examination of Diagnostic X-Rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-Rays also help determine tooth and root position.

Oral Cancer Screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum Disease Evaluation: Check the gums and bones around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of Tooth Decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

Examination of Existing Restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning - Your Cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

•Removal of Calculus (tartar): When plaque has been left on the tooth for some time it then hardens and firmly attaches to the tooth, it then becomes calculus. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

•Removal of Plaque: Plaque is usually a pale yellow almost invisible film that forms on the surface of your teeth. This consist of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva causing gums to inflame. The inflammation of your gums can be the start to periodontal disease.

•Teeth Polishing: During tooth brushing and scaling we remove the remaining stains and plaque.
Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs also known as x-rays offer us valuable information such as hidden dental abnormalities that aren't visible during an exam. Your healthcare professional will then be able to create an accurate dental treatment plan based on this information. Finding and treating dental problems early can save your teeth in addition to time, unnecessary discomfort, and money.
Are dental x-rays safe?

Dentists take all necessary precautions to limit the amount of exposure to radiation. They use a modernized film that cuts down the amount of exposure time in addition to a lead apron used to protect and shield the body.

*Everyone is exposed to natural radiation daily. The amount of radiation an individual received in one single day is equivalent to full month series of x-rays.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

A full series of x-rays is recommended for all new patients and are usually good for 3 to 5 years. During a regular check-up a bite-wing-x-ray is taken to detect new problems. Reminder: It's recommended to visit the dentist twice a year

Bite Wing X-Ray: Radiograph of top and bottom teeth biting together
The need for a dental x-ray depends on the individual. A patients medical & dental history, dental exams, signs, symptoms, risk of disease, and age consideration will be a factor in the recommendation for necessary x-ray.
Dental x-rays may reveal the following:

•Bone loss
•Abscesses or cysts
•Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
•Decay between the teeth
•Development Abnormalities
•Poor tooth and root positions
•Problem inside a tooth or below the gum line


Home Care

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night and using a variety of dental aids that help control plaque and bacteria are highly recommended to prevent future dental problems from happening. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended and approved by the ADA (The American Dental Association). They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.

*Reducing the number of snacks that are consumed in addition to eating balanced meals plays a role in your home care treatment.
Brushing instructions:

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

2. Brush the outer, inner and biting surface of the tooth.

3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.

4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing - The best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum-line is to floss daily. This also prevents damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.


Flossing Instructions:
1. Take 12-16 inches of dental loss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gum-line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of
each tooth.

Rinsing - Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and also after meals is important if you are unable to brush. Please consult with your dentist if you are using an over-the-counter rinsing product.

Brushing and flossing prevents the following:

Prevention of Tooth Decay: This occurs when the acid found in plaque erodes the natural enamel found on teeth. **This requires complex dental procedures and is the leading cause of tooth loss.

•Prevention of Periodontal Disease:This is a very serious and highly progressive condition. This too can cause tooth loss in addition to gum recession, and jawbone recession. This is caused by toxins found in plaque and can cause serious health problems to other part of the body.


•Prevention of Halitosis:Halitosis also known as bad breath is caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. This can easily be removed with regular brushing and flossing.

•Prevention of Staining:The yellowing or staining of the teeth can be due to several factors such as Coffee, tea, and smoking just to name a few. Regular brushing and flossing will prevent these stains from becoming permanent.
Through oral home care routines should be practiced on a daily basis to avoid future dental problems.

Oral Hygiene Aids
Here are the most common oral hygiene aids for home care
•Dental Floss
•Interdental Cleaners
•Mouth Rinses
•Oral Irrigators (Water Jets and Waterpiks)
•Rubber Tip Stimulators
•Tongue Cleaners
•Toothbrushes
•Electric Toothbrushes (Recommended)


If you have any questions about oral hygiene aids, please ask us!

 

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