Hygiene Visits or "Cleanings"

Oral health begins with the gums! When visiting for a cleaning our hygienist Liz will remove the built up plaque and tartar from your teeth using a water spraying scaler and/or a hand scaler. While performing a cleaning, our clinicians are continuously observing for decay, fractures, leaky margins or any number of conditions that could compromise your oral health. For most healthy patients visiting the hygienist and dentist twice a year is sufficient to keep your gums and smile healthy.

 Dental Radiographs or "X-rays"

X-rays are a diagnostic tool that dentists and hygienists use to evaluate and treat your teeth. Cavities and nerve damage are not obviously apparent to the naked eye and with the help of x-rays we are able to catch problems before they arise. It gives us the ability to "look under the hood." With the advent of modern digital x-rays, we are able to provide high quality imagery safely and quickly. For most patients x-rays once a year are enough to ensure your teeth are staying strong.

Scaling and Root Planing

There are times when the gums and gingiva require a "deeper cleaning." This is also referred to as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), and this is generally associated with gum disease, or periodontitis. As the gums and gingiva become inflamed and irritated due to plaque and tartar, they pull away from the teeth themselves, weakening the foundation and strength of the teeth.

Gum disease can start and progress for a variety of reasons, be it genetic, diet, grinding or a combination. Our goal is to provide you with the tools to prevent gum disease, however if the condition arises we are able to offer you the care and treatment to stop it.

Gingivectomy and Laser surgery

Gingivectomy is a dental procedure that involves the removal of excess or diseased gum tissue. One method of performing a gingivectomy is using a diode laser - a type of laser that emits a specific wavelength of light, which is absorbed by the tissue. The laser energy is used to precisely remove the excess gum tissue while minimizing bleeding and promoting faster healing. This procedure can be used to treat conditions such as gum disease, uneven gums, and overgrown gums. It can also improve the appearance of a "gummy" smile.