Preventative Care

Comprehensive family dental care

The best way to ensure proper dental health is through regular checkups and dental hygiene. We normally recommend check-up and hygiene every 6 months, although this recommendation may change depending on various conditions. For example, patients with gum disease may require dental hygiene every 3-4 months. We will carefully examine your teeth during each appointment to ensure that no oral health issues are developing.

A typical check-up and hygiene appointment consists of:

A dental exam/check-up
A set of x-rays
Scaling
Polishing
Fluoride

However, the specific procedures during these appointments may be adjusted. You have the choice to refuse any procedures.

The dental exam

The dental exam is a procedure that may only be done by a dentist. A dentist is trained to detect things that may affect your oral health or the overall health of your body. Things that may be detected include:

Early signs of cavities
Tooth and/or gum decay
Inflammation
Early signs of oral cancer
General conditions of your face, mouth, and jaw
And more...

X-rays

A set of bitewing x-rays are generally completed every check-up, and panoramic x-rays are generally completed every few years. X-rays use a very small quantity of ionizing radiation and allow early detection and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaw, and even the sinuses. Early treatment ensures that damage done by these conditions is minimized. The small quantity of radiation from these x-rays generally causes no side effects.

Scaling and Polishing

Generally, two to three units (30-45 mins) of scaling and one unit (15 mins) of polishing is done every hygiene appointment, but this may change depending on your condition.

Scaling is a procedure that uses ultrasound scrapers and specialized hand-held instruments to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Polishing is a procedure that aims to "polish" your teeth and leave it smooth and shiny. This is not just a cosmetic procedure; this polishing of the teeth smooths minor imperfections and helps prevent future buildup of plaque and tartar.

Fluoride

Fluoride is generally applied at the very end of every appointment, either through an oral rinse or a gel. Insurance may not cover this procedure for adults.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps build strong teeth and protects the outer layer of your teeth from decay. Especially in children, fluoride plays a critical role in preventing cavities.