Preventive Procedures

Give us a call to schedule your dental cleaning at (262) 932-4190.

Routine dental cleanings involve the removal of light to moderate plaque, stains, or tartar fixed to tooth surfaces above the gum line.

If this is your initial hygiene visit, we perform a comprehensive dental exam. This involves taking x-rays, charting periodontal measurements, identifying diseased, missing, or filled teeth, performing an oral cancer screening, listening to your dental concerns, and recording your medical history. This allows us to establish an accurate baseline of your current dental health.

Next, we customize a thorough treatment plan to help improve your oral health.  During subsequent dental cleanings, we compare your current dental health to your baseline to identify causes, explanations, and treatment plans for any dental problems you may be developing. Your hygienist will also perform a routine cleaning, may apply dental sealants, provide a fluoride treatment, and demonstrate any tips that may be helpful for performing better home care.
Please assist us by providing the following information:

• X-rays or dental records from previous dentist
• Health history, current list of medications, allergies, and any plans for future surgeries
• Current dental insurance information
• Any personal preferences (i.e. request a specific hygienist, taking extra precaution around a sensitive tooth, or if you would prefer to listen to the radio instead of watching TV, etc.)

Scaling and root planing involves the removal of moderate to heavy tartar deposits below the gum line. Tartar forms on root surfaces when there is a loss of supportive structures (gums, ligaments, or bone) that surround the root. Collectively, these supportive structures make-up the periodontium. Loss of these supportive structures is called periodontal disease.

Gingivitis occurs when the gums become inflamed and bleed easily, but the supportive structures remain intact. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontal disease. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, teeth will move apart forming gaps, or teeth will appear very long. Ultimately, periodontal disease leads to permanent tooth loss.

Sealants are thin, protective fillings applied topically to the deep grooves located on the biting surfaces of teeth (primarily the molars). Their purpose is to prevent the accumulation of food and bacteria in these areas, reducing the risk of forming cavities. Sealants are ordinarily applied between ages 6 and 16, following a dental cleaning.  Sealants can be applied any time after the teeth have erupted and are also beneficial for adults.

Diode Lasers are becoming more widely used in dentistry.  Their uses include procedures in surgery, periodontics, and for the treatment of ulcers and cold sores. Lasers provide a quick and painless treatment for unsightly cold sores, often reducing the frequency of future recurrence. Lasers are also used in eliminating toxins embedded within the gums of teeth affected by gingivitis or periodontal disease. Laser therapy promotes healing and regeneration of new healthy tissue. Lasers can be used safely around implants and other metal restorations as well.

Dexis Carivu is a portable device that shines a beam a light through a tooth and captures images of it. Cracks and decay will appear darker than the natural tooth.  This is a radiation-free alternative to x-rays.

A Dental Nightguard is a hard plastic appliance that is custom molded to fit your teeth. It is worn to prevent grinding and/or clenching.  If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss, jaw pain, or shifting of teeth.