Preventive Dentistry

Digital X-Rays

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using 90 percent less radiation than conventional x-rays. This digital technique also allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles which passes through bone and tissue and produces an image on special film. This gives the familiar black and white image that doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems. X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnostic process. Without an x-ray of the tooth and the supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

Sealants

In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they are too narrow or small to allow even one bristle of a toothbrush into them. These areas will develop decay if they are not cleaned. Sealants are used to prevent decay by filling in these pits and grooves. This coating seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

Gum Disease

• Description

  Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is responsible for about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. It is characterized by swollen, inflamed gums surrounding the teeth.

  Plaque, a sticky substance that forms in the mouth from food, saliva, and bacteria, gets inside the space between the gum line and the tooth. If not removed, plaque hardens into a substance called calculus, or tarter, that is very difficult to remove. Eventually, the bacteria in the plaque and tartar eat away at the fibers that hold the gums to the teeth, creating deep pockets. As bacteria spread, the pockets become deeper until the bacteria finally eat away the bone that holds the tooth in place.

• Diagnosis

  Gum disease is diagnosed through a process that measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Pockets that are greater than 3 millimeters in depth are considered hazardous and will generally require treatment.

  The early detection and prevention of gum disease is another reason to see your dentist regularly.

• Treatment

  Gum disease is treated by carefully removing the bacteria and substances that form in the pockets around the teeth. The removal of this material occurs on a microscopic level and requires great skill. Our dental team has had advanced training regarding how to effectively remove all of the bacteria.

  This process of removing the bacteria usually requires several visits to our office. Once the bacteria has been removed, the pockets must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis by a registered hygienist. Otherwise, the bacteria will return.

• Long Term Care

  Keep in mind that once you have contracted periodontal disease, you will always have the disease due to the damage that it does to your body. Careful daily hygiene and regular dental visits to clean your pockets are required to keep the bacteria from returning. After the initial dental appointments to remove the bacteria, you will be placed on a regular appointment schedule called "periodontal maintenance" to keep your pockets free of bacteria.

  Remember, it is always better to prevent disease than to treat disease.