Still have questions?  Check the A thru Z Index that the ADA provides

Preventative Care Prevention of dental problems begins with regular visits to your Dental Hygienist.  Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, visits will be scheduled from between three to six months.  These visits are generally painless and patients leave with the good feeling that comes from taking good care of their health. The purpose of this visit is not only to clean your teeth, but to have your dentist do a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums.  Like many health issues, problems found early are usually the most easily dealt with. Good oral hygiene can affect your overall health.  According to information gathered during the 2001 ADA Annual Session, dentists report that bacteria, in some studies, have been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious medical issues. The following step by step discussion will inform you of what to expect during your Dental Visit.

Patient Education The Hygienist can provide you with a wealth of information about your oral health.  This includes teaching you how to brush and floss correctly, and how to care for your gums.  Many issues such as bad breath, teeth grinding, sports mouth guards, sensitive teeth, topical sealants, electric toothbrushes, and teeth whitening are areas in which the Hygienist has expertise. In some cases, the Hygienist may take Intraoral photographs of your mouth to assist with the education process, and to provide to the dentist during your oral exam.  These will be displayed on the montor in your examining room for you to see. Some dental care products such as Sonicare toothbrushes, Breath-R-X breath products, Sensodyne Toothpaste, and Hydrofloss machines are sold at Devonshire Dental for your convenience.

Cleaning and Health History Your visit will begin with a full health history update.  If your health status has changed, or if you are experiencing and oral problems, make the hygienist aware of them.  Your Dental Hygienist is a trained, licensed professionals who is your first line of defense against oral disease. The Hygienist will perform a complete cleaning of your teeth.  They can scrape below the gumline, removing buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other problems. If it has been a while since your last visit, proper cleanings can take longer and may require an additional visit. Your cleaning will normally end with the polishing and flossing of your teeth.

X-Rays The frequency of X-Ray depends on your age, risk for disease, and symptoms.  Generally bite wing Digital X-Rays will be taken once per year, and full mouth X-Rays once every five years.  These Digital Radiographs expose patients to 90% less radiation than older type systems, while enhancing the Dentist's ability to diagnose problems. Digital Radiographs can diagnose not only cavities, but also impacted teeth, abscesses, gum disease, cysts, or even tumors.  Digital storage of images allows the dentist to watch for changes in your health over a period of time. You will be asked to wear a lead apron during your X-Rays to further protect your health. The X-Ray process is quick and painless.

Oral Exam Both your Dentist and Hygienist will do a complete oral exam as part of your visit.  This exam will not only evaluate the condition of your teeth, but also will assess your gums, the lining of your mouth, and even your tongue.   This examination can detect early signs of tooth decay, restorative work that may be failing, gum disease, and oral lesions.  Early detection through regular visits can help you deal with many problems before they become a major concern. If any problems exist, your dentist will work with you to develop a Treatment Plan that will correct them.  In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a Periodontist (for treatment of gums), or to an Endodontist (root canal therapy).  Both of these specialists can be seen at Devonshire Dental Associates.