Preventive Recare (Basic Routine Cleaning)

Preventive recare (basic routine cleaning) is preformed as part of your recare appointment in order to prevent periodontal disease and other dental diseases. A dental prophylaxis (also called a prophy/cleaning), consist of cleaning your teeth via scaling with hand instruments and our ultrasonic scaler, along with polishing of the teeth and fluoride application. During the procedure we evaluate for plaque and calculus levels (mineral buildup), gingival recession, pocket depth, tooth mobility, failing restorations, cavities, and oral lesions. We know that educating patients gives them long term success with their hygiene which is why we spend time to go over proper brushing and flossing techniques. Once a year or as needed, we like to update your radiographs during your recare appointment to evaluate for bone loss, cavities, quality of restorations, and any abnormalities. Patients who are particularly at risk for tooth decay may wish to discuss fluoride treatments, sealants, preventive resins and at home preventive care to help minimize the amount of decay. Dr. Reiner and Team will perform a soft tissue exam as a part of the dental recare exam to ensure all tissue is normal in your mouth.  Just remember, it is much more cost effective to see your dentist and hygienist once every six months for checkup appointments than it is to fix major dental problems due to lack of dental care. Our dentists and dental hygienists can discuss dietary habits and overall health with our patients and recommend the best oral care routine at home.

 

What to expect during your dental prophylaxis appointment:

• Plaque and calculus levels evaluated

• Periodontal evaluation

• Periodontal probing (performed once a year)

• X-Rays (Bitewings taken once a year and Full Mouth Series every 3-5 years)

• Removal of plaque and calculus via ultrasonic scaling and hand scaling

• Polishing

• Evaluation of teeth and current restorations

• Oral hygiene instructions

• Soft tissue evaluation

• Time to ask the Hygienist and doctor questions

 

How often should a patient get a dental cleaning?

We recommend that patients come in for a dental cleaning two times a year.  Plaque and calculus buildup can occur in as little as three months even if we are meticulous with our brushing and flossing.  Once formed on the teeth, it can only be professionally removed.  More frequent dental exams and cleanings may be necessary, depending on your unique circumstances. Dental disease like Gum Infection can negatively impact the overall health of the body. With today's research there are numerous scientific studies that support the assumption that gum disease can contribute to and increase the risk and severity of these health conditions: heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, preterm or low birthweight babies, osteoporosis, digestive disorders, as well as severely stress the immune system and lower the body’s resistance to infections. Staying on your recommended recare routine basis also allows the dentist to detect any abnormalities in your teeth or soft tissue before it progresses.

 

 

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. Most toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.  The likelihood of developing decay in the pits and grooves of permanent teeth begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

 

Preventive Resin Fillings

Preventive composite resins is a material that is placed over the grooves on the biting surface of your teeth when the grooves are too deep for sealants.  Generally the grooves need to be cleaned out with air abrasion to prep the area for the resin material. While brushing and flossing are effective, the deep ridges and grooves on top of your teeth make that difficult. Preventive resins prevent food or bacteria from entering these grooves and helps decrease the likelihood of dental health issues. Like Sealants, preventive resin fillings can be  recommended for children after their permanent molars come in, as well as adults, when the area doesn't warrant a normal size filling and is too deep of a pit or groove to handle a sealant. Preventive Resins can last many years with proper care and regular maintenance at your six month checkups.

 

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer like many types of cancer can be dangerous because often it can be overlooked in the early stages. In the past, research showed that tobacco users over the age of 40 most frequently developed oral cancer. However, research between 2008 and 2011 showed a significant increase in oral cancer among patients under age 50 who had not been tobacco users. These younger patients frequently had increased alcohol consumption or a persistent viral infection. Research is ongoing to determine the links between these factors and increased risk of oral cancer.

 

The good news is at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we screen every patient for early warning signs of oral cancer at every six month checkup. Our Dentists and Hygienist are trained to evaluate the head, neck, tongue, oral tissues and back of throat. Changes in tissue that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye are easily spotted by your dentist along with our ORALID Light.  Oral cancer is very treatable in the early stages, oral cancer can  appear to be an average canker sore or tissue change. If you notice a sore that persists for more than two weeks, contact us for an appointment and for us to scan the area with the ORALID Light.

 

Dry Mouth Prevention

Dry Mouth is an oral condition that can often be very uncomfortable and irritating along with increasing the risk of developing cavities.  It happens when your body doesn't produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Many leading causes of dry mouth are medications, diabetes, anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, stroke, Sjogren's Syndrome, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.  Even Cancer treatments like Chemotherapy or Radiation can lead to dry mouth.  Speak to your dental provider at your next visit if experiencing dry mouth or have a related health issue that could cause dry mouth. Perio Science, Xylimelts, Remin Pro, and Biotene are some of the products available to help treat symptoms of dry mouth.

 

Nightguards

Bruxism often referred to as teeth grinding is a habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth that comes from the subconscious nervous system. This takes place most often as you sleep. Patients who suffer from bruxism are at a higher risk for cavities and tooth fractures, because their teeth are under constant pressure. In addition to night time teeth grinding, those who struggle with bruxism often clench their teeth throughout the day without being aware of it. This added pressure wears down the chewing surfaces of your teeth more quickly. Bruxism and clenching can also lead to TMJ (Jaw Problems) along with headaches and neckaches. 

 

Treatments for bruxism vary, nightguards are a custom made acrylic appliance for your lower teeth to use during sleep. Our team will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth to make models of your teeth.  When the appliance is completed you will return to have the appliance seated and adjusted so you can start sleeping in the relaxed jaw position every night.  

 

A smile free from disease and decay can enhance your

appearance, boost your health, and improve your outlook on life.

Proper preventive care is crucial to maintain your best smile!