Patient Education

1)Fluoride – What is it and why is it important to my Oral Health?

Fluoride has been a hot button topic for many months as more and more cities and municipalities debate the necessity of making it available in our drinking water.  If you have questions of your own please take a look at the following links to find information that will allow you to make an informed decision when it comes to fluoride for you or your family.

2)Why is it important for my Dentist to take x-ray’s of my mouth?

X-rays are taken in order for your dentist to see things that simply cannot be seen by the naked eye.  The roots of your teeth and the areas between your teeth may contain clues to aid in a thorough diagnosis of your overall treatment.  The x-rays help to determine if there is any bone loss, the health of your roots, and cysts or growths that may occur. The results of your dental x-rays also help in determining your overall health, not just the health of your mouth.  Many health issues today can be traced back to issues that started in your mouth, and a thorough exam and diagnosis, aided by x-rays, is very beneficial.

3)Why do I need a Dental Exam before my Dentist will treat me?

A dental exam is much more than a “check-up”.  Your Dentist, along with your physician is an important member of your Health Care team.  An examination allows them to determine not only the health of your teeth and gums, but your overall health.  We can identify risk factors that may be involved in optimal treatment and based on the examination, give you the best options for optimal treatment.

Dental Exam Checklist Here are some important things your dentist is checking during an exam:

  • Medical history outlining any health conditions that may affect future dental treatment
  • X-rays: details snap shot of the inside of your teeth and overall root health
  • Gum condition: for signs of infection
  • Early signs or oral cancer or other suspicious growths or cysts
  • The overall health and function of your TMJ (joint that joins your jaw to the skull)
  • Condition of current restorations: root canals and crown
  • Position of the teeth: spacing and your bite
  • The presence of damaged, missing or decayed teeth
  • Proper growth and development in children
  • General condition of the bones in the face, jaw and around the mouth

4)Why do I need to see my Dental Hygienist so regularly?

Your Dental Hygienist, along with the Dentist, will determine a frequency of treatment for you, as an individual, based on your periodontal needs.  During examination, the hygienist will be taking stock of the health of your gums and teeth by examining each tooth and the tissue surrounding it.  If your Hygienist reports that you have periodontal disease, this is an indication that there are bacteria present in the pockets of tissue surrounding your teeth that must be treated.  The severity of the periodontal disease will determine the frequency with which you need to see your Hygienist.  Although proper home care as prescribed is very important, your Hygienist has techniques, methods and technology available to get down into those pockets, to break up the infectious bio-film to help return your teeth and gums to a healthy state.  Regular visits for Hygiene / Periodontal therapy can result in finding and detecting issues that if left unchecked, could pose serious Oral Health risks down the road.  It is also known that Periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues such as Heart Attack, Stroke and Respiratory disease.  Your Oral Health is important to your Overall Health and regular visits to see your Hygienist for Hygiene Therapy is the best way to maintain great Oral Health!

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All West Dental

Monday:

7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Tuesday:

7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Wednesday:

7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed