A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve your teeth and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy and beautiful smile.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Laurie Schumacher at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams will include the following:
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
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The DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection takes the guesswork out of making a correct treatment decision regarding these teeth. The DIAGNOdent is a small, portable laser unit that can detect cavities on or just below the surfaces of the back teeth, even when they are just beginning. An audible signal alerts the dentist there is a problem and it also provides a numerical readout as to it's approximate size.
Studies show that 50% of caries go undetected* by present diagnostic methods. The DIAGNOdent** aids in diagnosing “hidden” fissure caries more accurately and confidently. Most caries occur in the complex anatomy of the occlusal surfaces, making diagnosis with traditional methods difficult, because the outer tooth surface often appears to be intact.
The DIAGNOdent is a new high tech laser system. It utilizes laser light of a defined wavelength to help detect and quantify demineralized tooth substances without x-ray exposure. This revolutionary new device is easy to use and turns caries detection into a harmless, measurable, more reproducible and exacting procedure.
With DIAGNOdent we are able to make better treatment decisions earlier, whether they call for further “watching” of suspect areas to monitor changes, preventive measures or minimally invasive preparation. Detect the invisible, with the DIAGNOdent.
Please ask us about our new laser scanner cavity detection system!
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) will include a dental exam and the following:
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Home Care
A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
Tooth brushing - Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft or extra soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.
1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
4.Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing - Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Waterpik® - A powerful miniature pump sends a pulsating jet of water through a plastic syringe-like tip to clean the teeth (sweeping away debris from over, around and between teeth, and under the gumline) and stimulate the gum tissues. The Waterpik is effective in orthodontic (braces) and periodontic (gum disease) patients, as well as patients with crown and bridge work.