Independently Owned & Serving The Seacoast
Dental Checkup & Cleaning
Regular Dental Checkup
The comprehensive or regular checkup exam is performed at your six-month dental visit that is performed by your hygienist and dentist. Our offices are equipped with the highest quality equipment available. Through clinical examination and digital x-rays we can detect decay, bone loss, and oral pathology. You can view the x-rays and the pictures on the TV monitors, which we can use to discuss and plan the required dental treatments.
We will check your gums and bone around your teeth for signs of periodontal disease. This is tested by using a periodontal probe, a measuring stick, to measure the pocket depth. Typically a healthy condition depth measures from 1 to 3 millimeters, anything over 4 millimeters in not healthy. Bigger numbers usually indicate pockets of infection that need treatment.
Your teeth cleaning appointment starts with a thorough evaluation of your mouth, examining any inflamed gums or tooth issues that may make the cleaning difficult or painful.
Dental Cleaning
We check the gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal diseases using a periodontal probe, an instrument that measures the pocket depth between your teeth and gum tissue. Typically, a healthy depth measures from 1 to 3 millimeters. Anything over 4 millimeters is not healthy, and usually is an indication of pockets of infection that require treatment.
The degree of oral cleanliness found will determine if a regular or a deep cleaning is necessary. This procedure can be performed 2 to 4 times a year.
The dental cleaning process is performed using fine hand scalers, ultrasonic instruments, or both. To finish, a prophy cup and pumice is used to polish the teeth and gently scrub away any excess debris. During the cleaning, we can identify the areas in need of flossing by keeping an eye out for inflammation between the gums, cavities, and more.
We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, to remove plaque, prevent cavities, and to give your mouth an overall clean, healthy feeling.
You should floss at least once a day, especially right before bed, to remove any food and plaque remaining between the teeth and along the gum line.
About Gingival Probing & Pocket Depth
Gingival probing is a standard procedure we use to assess the health of your gums. By measuring the depth of the space between your teeth and gums, we can identify any signs of gum disease or inflammation. A shallow depth is typically a sign of healthy gums, while deeper spaces may indicate issues. This quick and painless check ensures we catch any potential problems early, keeping your gums and teeth in top shape!
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants serve as protective shields for your teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. By forming a thin layer over the tooth surface, they effectively prevent food particles and bacteria from settling into the natural grooves and crevices of the teeth. The result is a significant reduction in the risk of tooth decay and cavities, ensuring a stronger and healthier smile for years to come.