CLEANINGS, FLUORIDE TREATMENTS & DIGITAL X-RAYS

Routine cleanings, also called "prophylaxis", are designed to preserve dental health by removing harmful bacteria from below the gum line, which prevents the spread of gum disease before bone loss occurs. To have oral health, it is not enough to brush and floss daily, professional cleanings are imperative. In most cases, our patients visit the hygienist every six months.

An ultrasonic instrument is used, which it has been proven to be the most effective and comfortable way to remove bacteria and treat inflammation. We also provide home care instructions, so that our patients can maintain healthy gums between their regular cleanings, as well as an assessment of risk factors for cavities and gum disease, and perform nutritional analysis. Our hygienist also specializes in maintaining oral health during pregnancy, menopause, and with diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cleanings for Children

We are proud to be a fun place for children, a place that our young patients actually enjoy visiting.  We recommend a first visit at around 2 ½ to 3 years of age.  This is old enough for them to become accustomed to the office and is a good age for detection of any early problems.

We work hard to make your child as comfortable as possible, performing only those procedures that he/she is at-ease with.  Over the next few cleanings and exams, as children become more relaxed and start to enjoy the office, so we are able to obtain X-rays and accomplish thorough cleaning and fluoride treatments.

Some parents might prefer to be present with the child during treatment, especially for the first few visits.  In our office, this is completely acceptable.

Fluoride Varnish

Standard fluoride treatment (left) compared with our
advanced Omnii Vanish™ white fluoride treatment (right).

Numerous studies have found that regular professional fluoride applications prevent dental decay for adults and children.  Fluoride varnishes have been found to be more effective in preventing decay, because they release more fluoride into the teeth's enamel than traditional fluoride trays.

Advantages of fluoride varnish:

• There is less fluoride ingestion than with conventional treatments because the fluoride adheres to the tooth for longer.
• Children and adults can eat and drink immediately after application.
• There are no trays, which prevents gagging.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are a state-of-the-art addition to our offices. These computer-generated images require up to 90% less radiation than conventional film-based X-rays. Rather than using traditional silver-oxide X-ray film that must be developed and treated with caustic and environmentally damaging solutions, the new system takes pictures via a small electronic sensor.

A sharp image of the scanned area is instantly displayed on a video monitor in the treatment room. This enables the dentist and staff to see the teeth and surrounding structures immediately. This amazing technology not only eliminates the delay associated with traditional film processing, but it also is so precise and sensitive that patients are exposed to even less radiation.

Unlike conventional X-rays, the digital system also enables enlargement, highlighting, magnifying, inverting, clear viewing, and contrasting of the X-ray images. We can detect cavities even very small cavities sooner than ever before, and correct them before they seriously weaken a tooth.