Cleanings and Prevention
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident and beautiful smile.
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition 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 includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Cari-Vu
DDS Dental has been including this diagnostic technology in the office for several years. Essentially this (non-intimidating) wand-like device has a patented transillumination technology that enables the dentist to view some cracks and tooth decay in between the teeth that would otherwise require radiation. These observations when combined with a clinical examination of the tooth and in some cases other tests, are helpful in the diagnosis of tooth conditions. This is especially useful for children.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. Digital x-rays reduce radiation up to 80% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are essential diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a clinical dental exam. Dentists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental disease and complete an accurate treatment plan.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Sealants
Sealants are a BPA-free plastic protective coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.