Preventive Care

Regular Hygiene Visits/Cleanings are recommended at least TWICE a year.

It is recommended that a child’s first visit should be around the age of one year.

Gum Therapy

When periodontal disease or gum disease is present you will need more frequent visits. Periodontal Diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. If not treated, they may lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can often be treated with deep cleanings called scaling and root planning or gum therapy. The recommended appointments after those treatments are called periodontal maintenance therapy.

Follow up visits every two or three months may be necessary to help prevent recurrence of you gum disease. As you progress, fewer appointments may be necessary.

XRays

Many diseases of the oral cavity (including the teeth and surrounding tissue and bone) cannot be detected or evaluated with only a visual examination.

Radiographs may help the dentist see:

• Small areas of decay between teeth or below fillings
• Bone loss due to periodontal disease
• Developmental defects
• Some types of tumors
• The effects of trauma
• The position of unerupted teeth

TMJ

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ can be associated with several different bone, muscle or bite-related problems. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder can include pain, headaches, clicking or popping noises in the joint or even locking of the jaw. Treatment options often include special bite appliances and nightguards, a bite adjustment, or even orthodontic therapy.

Velscope

Oral Cancer Screening System
Oral cancer is often detected in the late stages, which can often be too late. Velscope technology can detect changes much earlier than can be seen with the naked eye. The Velscope is a hand-held device that emits a bright light into the oral cavity. Healthy tissue will fluoresce, causing a bright green glow. Areas of concern will appear dull or dark. The exam takes about two minutes, there is no pain or discomfort and it is completely safe

We provide traditional oral cancer screenings including an examination of your entire oral cavity, lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue, the hard and soft palate as well as the neck and throat at each dental check-up. A Velscope examination is recommended at least once each year.

Oral cancer most often occurs in tobacco users of any kind. Combined with the use of alcohol greatly increases the risk. Today more oral cancer has been diagnosed in younger people and those who have no known risk factors. On average, only half of those diagnosed with oral cancer will survive more than five years. Fortunately the survival rate for oral cancer discovered at early stages is extremely high. That’s why it is important to have your oral cancer screening done at least once a year.