Oral Cancer Screening
Many people do not know that dentists actually screen for oral cancer during exams in addition to evaluating your teeth and gums. For many types of oral cancer, early detection is the key to a good long-term prognosis. In most cases the dentist will not be able to diagnose oral cancer, but is able to refer you to the proper provider that can perform the proper diagnostic testing.
Smoking Cessation
Dentists are trained to help you quit smoking. This is done through proper evaluation and education, as well as prescribing medications that are available to assist with cessation.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
At every dental cleaning, our hygienists discuss proper oral hygiene. We evaluate nutrition, brushing, flossing, and habits that may be either beneficial or detrimental to your teeth and gums. We work with you to make positive choices in these areas wherever possible.
Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is a proactive approach to oral health care that focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing dental problems before they occur. This branch of dentistry emphasizes regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and patient education to help individuals develop and maintain good oral hygiene habits. The primary goal is to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other dental issues that can lead to more serious and costly treatments if left unchecked.
Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is an essential part of preventive dental care, typically recommended twice a year for most individuals. During this procedure, a dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from teeth, targeting areas both above and below the gumline that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing at home. The process usually begins with a physical examination of the mouth, followed by the removal of plaque and tartar using a scaler. The hygienist then polishes the teeth with a gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush, flosses between the teeth, and may apply a fluoride treatment for added protection against cavities.
Radiographic Diagnosis
Radiographic diagnosis is a crucial component of modern dentistry, providing dentists with valuable information that cannot be obtained through visual examination alone. Dental radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, allow practitioners to visualize internal structures of teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues, enabling the detection of various oral health issues such as cavities, periodontal disease, impacted teeth, and bone loss. There are several types of dental radiographs, including bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), each serving specific diagnostic purposes.
Gum Therapy/Periodontal Therapy
Gum or periodontal therapy is a crucial aspect of dental care aimed at treating and managing periodontal disease, which affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This therapy encompasses a range of treatments, from non-surgical interventions to more advanced surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to eliminate infection, halt disease progression, and restore the health of gum tissues and supporting bone structures.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are an important preventive dental procedure that helps protect teeth against decay and cavities. These treatments involve applying a highly concentrated form of fluoride directly to the teeth, typically in the form of a gel, foam, varnish, or rinse. The fluoride used in professional treatments is much stronger than what’s found in over-the-counter toothpastes and mouthwashes, allowing it to provide more potent protection for tooth enamel.
Snoring Appliances
Snoring appliances, also known as oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are dental devices designed to treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward during sleep, which helps keep the airway open and reduces the vibrations in soft tissues that cause snoring. Dentists who specialize in sleep medicine often prescribe these devices as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, especially for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or have milder forms of sleep-disordered breathing.
