Dental Hygiene/Periodontal Health
We use lasers as one of our primary tools in treating gum disease and gingivitis. The need for lengthly and more costly treatments can sometimes be eliminated with this new technology. In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.
If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, lasers may be our first line of defense, or we may recommend a root scaling or planing. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth. We use lasers for treatment which may promote healing times and lessen the pain associated with traditional gum treatments. Often times the need for shots can be eliminated using a laser technique.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. We offer the VIZILITE system for detecting and diagnosing very small areas that can often be missed with a routine exam. There is an increased cost for this but a lesion the size of your thumbnail can have catastrophic effects on your overall survivability. Early detection in the oral tissue is the key, and we have the tools and the knowledge to help you.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.