Preventive & Diagnostic Care

Dental Hygiene/Cleaning

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental hygiene and cleanings. Our professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing can’t reach, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. During your visit, our skilled hygienists will carefully clean and polish your teeth, check for signs of oral health issues, and provide personalized tips to improve your at-home care routine. Regular cleanings not only keep your teeth looking bright but also support overall health by preventing more serious dental problems.

Comprehensive Exams

A healthy smile begins with a thorough understanding of your oral health. Our comprehensive exams, also known as complete oral exams, provide an in-depth evaluation of your teeth, gums, and overall oral structures. During the exam, our dental professionals will assess for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, bite alignment issues, and more, using advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays when necessary. This detailed approach helps us detect potential problems early, create personalized treatment plans, and ensure your long-term oral health. Whether you’re a new patient or due for a routine check-up, our comprehensive exams give you the confidence of a healthier, brighter smile.

Recall Exams

Regular follow-up appointments to monitor oral health and address emerging concerns. Scheduled at intervals recommended by the dentist or hygienist, typically every 6-9 months for routine check-ups.

Emergency Exams

An emergency dental exam is a prompt, thorough evaluation aimed at diagnosing and addressing urgent dental issues that require immediate attention. These exams are essential when a patient experiences sudden pain, trauma, swelling, infection, or other symptoms that interfere with daily life. During the exam, the dentist will assess the affected area, often using X-rays and a detailed oral examination to determine the cause of the discomfort or damage.

Treatment may involve temporary relief, such as pain management, or immediate interventions like drainage, tooth repair, or other necessary procedures. Emergency exams help prevent further complications, provide swift relief, and protect long-term oral health.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a preventive examination that helps detect early signs of cancer in the mouth, lips, throat, and surrounding tissues. This quick, non-invasive screening is typically part of a regular dental check-up and involves visually examining the mouth for abnormal sores, lumps, or discolorations.

Dentists may use special lights or devices to enhance visibility of any irregularities that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Early detection through oral cancer screening can significantly increase the success of treatment, making it an important step in maintaining long-term oral and overall health.

Polishing

Polish is a gritty paste used during cleanings to smooth and shine teeth after plaque and tartar removal. This paste, known as prophylaxis paste, is applied with a small rubber cup or brush on a rotating tool to gently buff the tooth surfaces. It removes any remaining plaque, minor stains, and surface irregularities, leaving the teeth smoother and making it harder for plaque and bacteria to adhere to them. The polishing process not only enhances the brightness and feel of teeth but also contributes to better oral hygiene by helping keep teeth cleaner between visits.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral important for dental health, found in water, foods, and dental products. It strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities by promoting remineralization, making enamel more resistant to acid and bacteria. Fluoride is used in water supplies, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional treatments.

While beneficial, it's important to use fluoride in proper amounts, as too much can cause discoloration (fluorosis). Dentists assess fluoride needs and offer personalized recommendations, making it a key part of maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

Desensitization

A dental desensitizer is a solution used to reduce tooth sensitivity, which causes discomfort from things like temperature or acidity. It works by blocking nerve signals, sealing open tubules in the tooth, or helping to restore minerals to weakened enamel. Some desensitizers use ingredients like potassium nitrate or fluoride to reduce pain and protect the tooth.

These are often applied by a dentist during cleanings or available in desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash for home use. While desensitizers provide relief, it's important to address the root cause of sensitivity, such as cavities or gum recession, with a dentist's help.

Education & Preventive Care

Preventative oral health involves various practices aimed at maintaining optimal dental well-being and avoiding dental issues.

Collectively, these preventative measures contribute to maintaining good oral health, preventing dental issues, and supporting overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings complement these practices to ensure comprehensive preventative care.

Baby Wellness

Baby wellness dental appointments aim to introduce young children to oral care in a positive environment. Dentists gently examine the child's mouth, assessing oral development and addressing potential concerns such as baby bottle tooth decay. Parents receive guidance on proper oral care practices, including cleaning gums and introducing toothbrushing.

The focus is on preventive measures, with education provided on avoiding sugary snacks and the importance of fluoride. These appointments establish a routine for regular dental check-ups, promoting early detection and management of any emerging dental issues.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatment involves applying a liquid solution to the affected tooth surface without drilling. Its antimicrobial properties help stop the progression of tooth decay and promote remineralization, strengthening the tooth structure. SDF is effective for treating cavities and reducing tooth sensitivity.

Although it may cause temporary staining, especially on decayed areas, it provides a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional cavity treatments. Dentists evaluate its suitability based on individual cases and preferences.

3D Scanner

A dental scanner is a device that creates 3D images of teeth and gums, replacing traditional impression methods. It uses lasers or light to capture detailed digital impressions for designing crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontic devices. The process is more accurate, comfortable, and eliminates the need for messy impression materials. Scanners can be used inside or outside the mouth and integrate with CAD/CAM systems to create precise dental restorations, improving the accuracy and efficiency of dental care.

CBCT/3D X-Rays

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanner is a dental imaging device that provides detailed 3D images of teeth, bones, soft tissues, and nerves with lower radiation than traditional CT scans. It uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam for accurate, high-resolution images and quick scan times. CBCT is used for implant planning, surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, and TMJ analysis, making it a versatile and essential tool for precise diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry.

Biopsies & Pathologies

Dental pathology focuses on diagnosing diseases in the teeth, jaws, and oral tissues. When lesions or abnormalities are found, a dental biopsy is done to collect a tissue sample for analysis. Pathologists examine the tissue under a microscope to make a diagnosis, identifying whether conditions are benign or malignant. Biopsies are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, with dental pathologists working closely with surgeons and dentists to guide proper care.

Consults

A dental consult is an appointment focused on discussing a patient’s specific dental concerns, treatment needs, or goals. It may be conducted with either the dentist or a treatment coordinator, depending on the type of consultation and the information needed.

During the consultation, the dentist or coordinator examines the patient’s oral health, often using X-rays, photos, or impressions, and discusses potential treatments, answering questions to help the patient understand their options, including timelines, procedures, and costs. For complex treatments like orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, or restorative work, the consult provides a customized plan to address the patient’s unique needs, ensuring informed decision-making and setting clear expectations for treatment outcomes.