Preventative Dentistry
Prevention is the foundation of our practice and our team is excited to help you form healthy habits. If you are a new patient and you are experiencing a dental emergency, you may contact our office at 828-456-3911 and we will do our very best to work you in.
Preventative Care Includes:
- ROUTINE CLEANING AND EXAMS
For most patients we recommend cleanings and exams every 6 months to help maintain oral health and for early detection of dental concerns. In some circumstances, patients may need to come every 3 to 4 months for a cleaning based on their oral health status. - DEEP CLEANINGS
Sometimes when patients have not had a cleaning for a long time, they will need a deep cleaning. When plaque is not removed regularly, it can turn into a hard barnacle-like material called calculus that sticks to the surfaces of your teeth and roots. Our hygienists use advanced techniques to remove the calculus and give your teeth and gums a fresh start. - RADIOGRAPHS (X-RAYS)
Our office protocol requires distinct types of radiographs at different intervals based on NC dental board recommendations, industry standards and the dentist’s clinical judgment:- A full mouth series of radiographs is required every 3-5 years and is composed of periapical and bitewing x-rays. This comprehensive information is important to detect disease in the top part of the teeth as well as the roots.
- Bitewing radiographs are taken typically every 12 months. These are 2 x-rays on each side of the mouth that are used to detect cavities that hide between the teeth and are not detectable with the eye or instruments.
- A Panoramic radiograph is captured from outside of the mouth and takes a single x-ray of all of the teeth and several facial structures simultaneously. This type of x-ray is essential for examining wisdom teeth and assessing bone levels.
