Preventive Care
(Dental cleaning and examination) is an important aspect of your oral health. It helps your doctor monitor your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. Small problems can be identified and corrected before they become painful and costly ones. Regular dental checkups are also an important part of your overall health. Studies have shown a direct link between the health of your teeth and gums to your heart and overall health.
Prophy
Prophy is the short version of prophylactic teeth cleaning. This type of cleaning is usually performed on patients who have gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums). Gingivitis can be caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque under the gum line.
Prophy is generally done in three steps. The first step is to perform a general cleaning of the teeth. This may be done manually or with a sonic instrument (a cavitron) or with the combination of the two. This loosens and removes tartar and plaque buildup. Next a rotary machine, which looks like a toothbrush, with special toothpaste is used. This machine removes the remaining plaque under the gums and on the teeth. It also helps polish the surface of the teeth to discourage future plaque buildup. Finally your teeth are flossed to remove any remaining plaque.
X-Rays
X-rays are an important and safe diagnostic tool. Dental x-rays may be intraoral – inside the mouth, or extraoral – outside the mouth. X-rays are used to allow your doctor to find cavities and check the health of the tooth root and bone, monitor the health of your teeth and jaw, and check developing teeth. Additionally, they give your doctor a very detailed look at the teeth and surrounding tissues. Extraoral x-rays are not generally used to monitor the teeth, but the jaw and skull. They may be used to look for impacted teeth, identify potential problems between the teeth and jaw, and to monitor the growth and development of the jaws in relation to the teeth.
At Goehring Dental, we use digital x-rays which are instantly viewed on a computer monitor. With digital x-rays we can enlarge and examine your teeth in more detail than with traditional x-rays. Today’s dental x-rays are a safe and reliable method for your doctor to examine and diagnose any issues you may be having with your teeth, gum, jaw, and surrounding tissues.
Examination
Regular dental exams are an important part of your overall health care. During an exam the doctor or hygienist may clean your teeth and check for cavities and gum disease. You will be evaluated for your risk for oral cancer, and your face, neck, and mouth are checked for any abnormalities. We may also take x-rays or use other diagnostic procedures. Diet and oral hygiene habits will also be discussed and the proper brushing and flossing techniques may be covered. Your doctor may also speak to you about any cosmetic procedures he feels you would benefit from.
It is important for you to take preventative care seriously so that you can not only have the best smile possible, but improve your overall good health.
Call or email our office today and make an appointment for your regular checkup. (512)892-8822 or email us appointments@goehringdental.com We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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