In a typical dental hygiene appointment, you can expect these procedures to be performed: An update of the medical and dental history, periodic x-rays, a laser light therapy treatment (if desired) scaling and polishing of the teeth, oral cancer screening, dental examination, periodontal examination, and review of home care.
Why do you need it? Plaque and calculus (tartar) that sits on the teeth provides an environment that allows bacteria to thrive and multiply, leading to gingivitis, a condition that causes the gums to bleed and become red and inflamed. Gingivitis is easily treated by having the hygienist scale and polish the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the plaque on the teeth hardens into tartar and progresses down the roots of the teeth. When this occurs, the bone, which is the support for the teeth, starts to deteriorate. Left untreated, periodontal disease can result in loss of teeth. It is a common, and sometimes silent condition in many adults.
How is it done? Treatment for periodontal disease involves scaling and root planing, which is designed to remove the toxins and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth, thereby allowing the body’s immune system to begin the healing process. Calculus will be removed from the root surface which is then planed smooth so that the gum tissue can heal and reattach to the root surface. The procedure can be done in conjunction with another laser procedure, which removes infected tissue from the periodontal pocket.
What’s the aftercare like? After being treated for periodontal disease, a standard cleaning and checkup recall is no longer appropriate. While a standard cleaning addresses scaling and polishing above the gum line, a person who has experienced periodontal disease requires meticulous below the gum line maintenance at more frequent intervals, usually every 3-4 months.
How does it affect my overall health? Periodontal disease has a significant negative impact on the overall health of the body, especially in people whose health is compromised by heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and osteoporosis. Increased risk of stroke and pre-term birth weight babies is also attributed to periodontal disease. By treating the disease with scaling and root planing you can be sure your overall health will improve!
Our LBR procedure is not something you’ll find many offices offering, but our patients RAVE about it! This laser light therapy is performed in conjunction with your regular hygiene visit and helps to reduce inflammation and bleeding, improve gum health overall, reduce tooth sensitivity both during and after the cleaning, and it’s COMPLETELY PAINLESS! It takes about 5 minutes to perform, and patients notice a huge difference immediately.
Guided Biofilm Therapy with EMS Airflow is a gentle, advanced dental cleaning that uses warm water, air, and fine powder to remove plaque and stains. It’s more comfortable than traditional cleanings, helps protect teeth and gums, and supports a healthier smile with less sensitivity.
Many people are afflicted with grinding or clenching. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep. Grinding/clenching your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums.
Nightguards help prevent this damage by creating a barrier between your teeth. Our night guards are custom fitted for comfort. We take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.
Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment in contact sports. They should be worn by athletes of all ages who participate in sports such as Football, Hockey, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Basketball, Baseball/Softball, Soccer or any sport where contact is a possibility.
Wearing a mouth guard helps prevent structural damage to your teeth and jaw. Mouth guards have also been shown to help decrease the risk of concussions.
Unlike an OTC mouthguard, a custom mouth guard is created specifically for the optimal protection of YOUR mouth. It is created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth. The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication.
Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.
Flouride Varnish helps prevent tooth decay. It is usually applied every 6 months for children between the ages of 3-14 and can also be applied on adults that are at higher risk for tooth decay. Flouride varnish can also help reduce tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession.
In our office we fabricate Clear Retainers that resemble an Invisalign aligner. Wearing a retainer every night helps ensure that your teeth don’t shift and keeps them in an optimal healthy position.
A non-invasive treatment that helps heal early cavities—without drilling or shots. It works by rebuilding and strengthening weakened enamel, stopping decay in its tracks. For patients, that means a more comfortable experience and preserving more of your natural tooth.
A quick, painless liquid applied to teeth to stop cavities from growing. It’s especially helpful for patients who want to avoid drilling or need a simple, effective solution fast. SDF can halt decay and protect the tooth, often buying time before more extensive treatment is needed.
Wellness scans with iTero Lumina use advanced digital imaging to create a detailed 3D view of your teeth and gums in minutes. This quick, comfortable scan helps detect issues early, track changes over time, and support more personalized, preventive care—no mess or discomfort.
