Hygiene

Preventative Care Appointments

Scheduled at 6, 4 0r 3 month intervals depending your periodontal condition, these appointments allow the doctor and hygienist to monitor your oral health and to clean under your gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. It also helps promote healthy gums. Catching dental disease early helps minimize the damage to the teeth and gums.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

When plaque extends below the gum line, gingivitis can deteriorate into a condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation that can erode the ligament and bone beneath your gums, creating deep pockets that foster the growth of destructive bacteria. Treatment may include scaling and root planing (deep scaling, with anesthetics, of the bacteria-filled pockets). If conservative treatment is ineffective, a referral to a Periodontist may be recommended.

Sealants

These protective coatings are applied to deep pits/grooves in permanent posterior teeth to seal out decay-producing plaque. They are painlessly bonded and last two to three years before needing to be replaced. Sealants serve in a preventative capacity to reduce the risk of cavities in the most common place that cavities occur - the biting surface. Not only do they prevent costly fillings, but they also prevent the need for future replacement fillings and crowns. Most often they are applied to permanent adult teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

This varnish is applied at each 6 month hygiene appointment. It strengthens the enamel on your child's teeth to make it more difficult for cavities to start. Semi-annual fluoride application is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Bottled water does not contain fluoride - please drink tap water at home and brush with fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth in between appointments.