Dental Exam
A Complete and Comprehensive Exam will be performed by either Dr. Brad or Dr. Shaw at your first visit, here at WinnSmiles. This will include a full set of digital xrays, actual photos of your teeth (so you can see what we see when we look in your mouth), periodontal measures (six different measurements around every tooth) to get an accurate assessment of your periodontal health, personalized treatment plan, oral cancer screening, and the doctors undivided attention.
Before we go into your regular check-ups, every 3 to 6 months, we need to stress the importance of keeping your teeth healthy for a Lifetime....
Why do we need Fluoride and Sealants as an Adult?
The use of fluoride and sealants has been proven to be beneficial, not only as a child, but most importantly, as an adult. Many studies have proven fluoride and sealants can help lengthen the life and strength of your teeth!
"Twenty years ago, dentists thought that fluoride worked mainly by strengthening developing teeth before they entered the mouth. As a result, young children were the main focus of fluoridation efforts. Now, research has shown that fluoride applied to the teeth, using toothpastes, mouth rinses and fluoride treatments, is just as important for all teeth in fighting decay." This is according to Colgate World of Care. For more information go to: colgate.com ("Can Fluoride Help Adults". Oral and Dental Health. Colgate. 6 Nov. 2006. Web. 12 Jan. 2010)
"I’m an adult now, but for the first time in my life, my dentist found cavities. I didn’t understand it, as I religiously follow all of the American Dental Association’s guidelines for oral hygiene (brush twice, floss, eat balanced meals, visit dentist regularly). Why did I get the cavities? My dentist told me “sometimes food particles get stuck” and hinted these things just happen. After he filled my teeth, he suggested I consider a dental or tooth sealant as a preventative measure." For more information go to: www.mindyourdecisions.com ("Mind Your Decisions". Dec 6 2008. Nov.2009)
At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
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Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental device.Three reliable methods that together ensure a perfect caries diagnosis:
- Your trained expert eye,
- x-ray imaging and the
- DIAGNOdent pen. Identification of caries in its early stages.
Caries in its early stages and hidden caries can thus be reliably detected. This enables minimally invasive treatments, the patient is subjected to less stress, and more tooth substance is retained. Children and adolescents in particular have fissure caries in nearly 80% of all cases and 90% of caries is invisible (under an intact enamel surface and in the proximal region). For more information go to: www.kavo.com (Diagodent Pen 2190. Dec. 2007. April 2009.)
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Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time 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.
- 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!
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.