REGULAR CHECKUPS
Long-term success of all dental treatment depends on how well they are maintained. Regular dental visits are essential. Dr. Frey will develop a dental visit program to ensure your long-term oral health. Periodontal disease can strike when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned. If left untreated, bone deprivation, which weakens supporting structures, can lead to loss of teeth as well as dental implant loss.
Periodic Dental Exam
A periodic dental exam will be performed at regular check-up intervals by Dr. Frey and Rebecca, our hygienist. The following will be performed:
- update your medical and social history
- periodic x-rays
- oral cancer screening
- gum disease evaluation
- examination of tooth decay
- evaluation of existing restorations
Professional Dental Cleanings
Rebecca Thomas our Registered Dental Hygienist performs professional dental cleanings. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
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Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
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Removal of Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
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Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
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Dental X-Rays: Dental radiographs (x-rays) are a safe, essential, preventative, and diagnostic tool that help provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dr. Frey uses this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan; without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected. Dental x-rays may reveal abscesses or cysts, bone loss, cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, decay between teeth, developmental abnormalities, poor tooth and root positions or problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
DENTAL X-RAYS ARE SAFE! Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources such as the sun. Digital dental x-rays produce a very low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dr. Frey takes necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays including using a lead apron to protect the body and using modern state-of-the-art, digital sensors. These digital sensors cut down the exposure time of each x-ray to a fraction of a conventional dental film.
How Often Should Dental X-Rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Dr. Frey and our dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age considerations, and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (an x-ray of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.