Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health

In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.

If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling or planing. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth.

Sensitive Teeth

Some patients experience sensitive teeth, for that we recommend Fluoridex.This topical can be used in place or in addition to regular toothpaste for daily treatment and cleaning. Fluoridex helps protect against painful sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, acids and contact.

To find out more about Fluoridex, please click here.

Power Brushing

We are proud to carry the Sonicare Elite toothbrush

We recommend the Sonicare Elite toothbrush because it is gentle and effective. The Sonicare Elite cleans beyond the reach of its bristles touch with its use of a patented technology called fluid dynamics.

Patients with sensitive teeth or gums often report that their discomfort is reduced because they use the Sonicare Elite. Studies conducted by Sonicare show that the Elite reduced hypersensitivity by 35-40% in most patients.

Additionally, Sonicare studies have concluded that the Elite can reduce dental stains by up to 54% within a 6 month period.

For more information click here.

Please ask about the Elite at your next appointment, or just stop by and pick one up.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During a dental exam, the doctor or the hygienist 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 may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the hygienist (periodontal therapist) 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.