While at our office, we make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of the highest quality. To ensure that you maintain great oral health, there are several things we will do at your dental hygiene visit. Our hygienists will review your medical history due to links between heart disease and diabetes with early gum problems, evaluate the health of the gums, take necessary digital x-rays to evaluate bone level and check for cavities in between the teeth, as well as take intraoral photographs. Your hygienist and dentist will determine the appropriate time interval between dental cleaning necessary to keep your smile bright and healthy. Our hygienists can also help you establish a home oral care routine to help maintain your smile.
Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are also essential to oral hygiene. If any gum problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis are present, we can provide specialized periodontal cleanings and treatment to address the infection below the gumline.
Digital x-rays have been the standard of care for a long time at our office due to the clarity of images and lower radiation for our patients. We are able to utilize digital x-rays to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy, which improves our diagnostic ability. As a benefit to the patient, the digital x-ray is safer because it provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray. This is due to the fact that the digital version of the x-ray is much more sensitive to this radiation and the dosage is specifically adjusted with the patient in mind and particular area in the mouth being imaged.
A digital panorex is a special dental x-ray in that it is capable of identifying many issues and structures that a normal x-ray is not due to its larger image. We utilize digital panorex imaging software to decrease the radiation dosage needed and see an instant image with great clarity. Once positioned in the machine, it will rotate around your entire head taking a full 360 degree view of the teeth, head, sinuses, facial bones, and temporomandibular joints. The panorex is utilized in children to evaluate growth and development of the primary and permanent teeth and jaws as well as any potential structural issues that may need orthodontics. We will use this x-ray to rule out any infections of the teeth or jaws, asymmetry, or structural issues prior to initiating braces or treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction,.
Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of our dental hygiene visit. By examining the soft tissues of the mouth, a potential problem can be detected much earlier. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem. Certain lifestyle choices (tobacco and/or alcohol usage and exposure to human papilloma virus) can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth.