Routine dental exams and cleanings help us prevent problems and minimize the time you spend in the dental chair!
Is It Time for Your Routine Dental Exam?
You may have heard the phrase, "take care of your teeth and they will take care of you." If you think about it, teeth are vital to smiling, eating and even speaking. For instance, imagine trying to bite off a piece of carrot without your teeth!.
If we want to keep these pearly whites throughout our lives, we must focus on preventing dental disease by practicing good oral hygiene habits and following a healthy diet. But another essential component of optimum oral health is a regular visit to the dentist for exams and cleanings.
During your hygiene visit, Cara and Jayne, remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar. They also remove stains caused by smoking, medications, foods, and beverages. This cleaning decreases bacteria in your mouth which can help minimize the sensitivity of gums and teeth. Regular dental cleanings also assist in preventing periodontal disease. Once the calculus (tartar) is removed, it will make it easier for you to maintain your oral health with consistent brushing and flossing.
For patients who have periodontal disease, a deeper more intensive cleaning may be needed. Our hygienists keep you comfortable during this procedure with both topical and local anesthetics.
During your hygiene visit, Dr. Waters will provide a complete oral exam. This exam includes not only the teeth but also the soft tissue in your mouth. He will evaluate any radiographs taken and provide an oral cancer exam. Dr. Waters will report his findings to you, advise if any restorative care is needed and answer any questions you may have.
Throughout your appointment, Cara and Jayne will share their findings with you. They will inform you about areas that may need extra attention in your daily cleaning efforts. They may suggest oral hygiene aids to improve your ability to maintain hard to clean areas. They may also counsel you on other choices that impact your oral health, such as diet and tobacco use.
Fluoride Varnish – A Vitamin for Your Teeth!
After the bacteria have been removed from your teeth, the hygienist will apply a thin layer of fluoride varnish with a small brush. Fluoride can decrease sensitivity, will strengthen teeth and prevent decay. We offer several flavor options such as mint, melon, and caramel.
Ath the end of your appointment, your hygienist will schedule your next hygiene visit. Most patients are seen two times a year and others may need to be seen on a more frequent basis to manage their periodontal disease. You will also receive a gift bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Cara or Jayne will walk you to our check out desk and offer you a complimentary bottle of water.
Please call Waters Family Dentistry to schedule your preventive visit with your hygienist! We can be reached at (308) 382-1734 and would be happy to find a time that works well in your schedule.
The beginning of a cavity (also known as tooth decay) occurs when the bacteria in your mouth produce acid. If not thoroughly removed on a daily basis, this acid can destroy the enamel or outer surface of your tooth. This damage in the early stages does not usually cause pain. So if you don't have discomfort that is good news! However, as the destruction progresses into the tooth, it can eventually reach the pulp. Once the decay reaches this point, you will most likely need a root canal and a crown. More advanced stages of decay are likely to cause pain. Sometimes the tooth has extensive decay, and the only option is to extract it.
As a general rule, tooth decay won't hurt less or cost less than it does the day it is diagnosed.
During your dental examination, Dr. Waters will evaluate your teeth both visually and with a dental explorer. Sometimes cavities can appear discolored, but that is not always the case. He also will review any x-ray and Spectra (diagnostic tooth) images. Decay on an x-ray can appear as a darker shadow between teeth. You may hear Dr. Waters mention you have an "incipiency." This is the earliest stage of a tooth decay located in the enamel or outermost portion of the tooth. More good news - decay can even be stopped at this stage with daily oral hygiene efforts and a healthy diet. However, once the decay progresses into the next inner layer (dentin), the cavity will need to be removed and a dental restoration placed.