We adhere and often exceed every standard of infection control set by the center for disease control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We address indoor pollution with room air cleaners and the staff does not wear perfumes. In fact, we are proud that we utilized gloves and masks years before they were mandatory, sterilized pieces several years before that standard were in place, as well as utilized thyroid covering lead collars since 1983.
Exams & Cleanings
At your initial appointment, our hygienist, Jackie, will do a comprehensive interview about your dental history. An oral cancer cancer screening is performed at every hygiene care appointment for patients of any age. Your visit with Jackie is much more than a hygiene demonstration and a “cleaning”. She will assess your risk for future problems by discussing diet, daily habits and any dry mouth issues.
X-Rays & 3D Scans
Our Digital imaging is Ultra Low Dose. It can achieve an average of 77% lower radiation per dose than traditional radiation. That’s not all —iIf x-rays cause you discomfort or gagging, we can do them outside your mouth!
Sealants
Most children benefit from a non-invasive procedure called sealants. This composite like material flows into the tooth crevices that are difficult if not impossible to clean with a toothbrush. Sealants can minimize the progression of tooth decay and there does not appear to be an advantage of one type of sealant material over the others. Our office has both fluoridated sealants and fluoride free sealants.
Fillings
When a filling is needed due to decay, a broken tooth or for cosmetic purposes we use a metal free composite material. Composite fillings come in different shades to match your existing teeth-no one will even know that they are there!Composite fillings are plastic/quartz resin based materials. We research and use the cleanest materials available.
Pediatric Dentistry
There are a number of adults in our practice that were seen by us in childhood and now bring their children to us for care. Seeing this continuation of trust is very fulfilling for us.
Performing the Risk Assessment for caries for a child (be it for the “baby” teeth or the permanent teeth) involves an individually tailored plan. For those children at moderate to high risk for decay, recommended preventative measures may include xylitol products that reduce the levels of caries causing bacteria or MI paste that utilizes calcium and phosphate to strengthen the teeth. For a select few older children, at-home treatment with topical fluoride may be necessary. (We have never supported fluoride supplements or fluoride in the water system)
Periodontal Services
At your routine hygiene visit we will update your medical history, do an oral cancer screening, periodontal exam and update necessary x-rays. Our hygienist will then scale and polish your teeth and then go over hygiene instructions. We recommend that every 4-6 months depending on your needs. There are times when Scale and Root Planing, sometimes called a Deep Cleaning, is needed. This is required if you have a large amount of plaque, calculus, and inflammation.It would also be needed if you have probing depths of 4mm or greater.
Q
What are basic hygiene practices?
A
Basic hygiene practices include :
-Flossing daily before brushing, using dental floss or the flossers . Flossing loosens the bacteria from the tooth below the gum line where the brush can not reach.
-Brushing morning and evening before bedtime. Using a manual or electric toothbrush is a personal preference. Time and technique are important. Brushing carefully for 3-5 minutes twice daily , in a sequence around your mouth, focusing at the gum line of each tooth and using gentle circles with a soft manual toothbrush , will thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria. Using an electric toothbrush requires less manual motion.
– Toothpaste is a personal preference. Natural and fluoride toothpaste is available. Natural toothpaste is widely available, 100% xylitol is a natural sugar found in most to help buffer against decay.
– Mouthwash is used to freshen the mouth, reduce bacteria and some provide additional fluoride protection.