Preventative Care
Dental Exams, X-rays, Cleanings
Preventative care is a critical part of supporting overall oral health. We assess the overall health of your teeth and gums and look for telltale signs of other problems such as oral cancer. The sooner an oral health problem is found, the easier and less painful it is to treat. It is recommended that patients have exams every 6 months and cleanings every 3-6 months, depending on the status of your oral health in the moment. We also offer dental sealants and fluoride treatment.
Night Guards
The main reason to get a night guard is to prevent damage to your healthy teeth and restorations that result from teeth grinding and/or clenching (both are called bruxism).
For those who grind their teeth, have implant restorations, have teeth with indentations at the gum line and are diagnosed with periodontal disease, a night guard should be worn as a preventive measure. Not only can this save your natural teeth from wear and fracture, but it will also protect restorations already in your mouth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is used to remineralize the tooth and make it more resistant to the acid and bacteria in the mouth. It is recommended for those susceptible to cavities, that have receding gums, and helps with general sensitivity as well. Fluoride varnish utilizes a natural tree resin base that facilitates adherence of the varnish to the teeth and prolongs the contact time between fluoride and the tooth surfaces.
Your dental provider will remind you not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after fluoride has been applied.
Oral Cancer Screening
The new face of oral cancer & a new reason for concern
More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer than ever before. But surprisingly, research shows this increase is not due to the traditional risk factors of drinking, smoking, or using chewing tobacco.
Oral cancer is now being found in a younger population of men and women who don’t smoke or drink heavily. One reason for this increase in people under age of 40 is due to exposure to the HPV-16 & HPV-18 viruses, known collectively as the human papillomavirus. The HPV virus can spread by intimate contact. That is why the Centers for Disease Control recommends that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually for oral cancer.
The test is simple, painless, and takes less than 2 minutes
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are often missed by the naked eye, especially in its early stages. We use the device that can help detect abnormalities which may lead to oral cancer. Early detection means early treatment, and a cure rate of nearly 90%.