Cleanings and Exams
We are happy to provide professional dental cleanings (formally called prophylaxis) to both children and adults. During these cleanings, one of our qualified dental hygienists will:
• Perform a full periodontal evaluation
• Remove plaque from the teeth and gums
• Remove calculus from the teeth and gums
• Polish the teeth to remove any leftover plaque and reduce surface stains
Professional dental cleanings are essential to everyone’s oral health because only a dental professional can remove plaque and calculus from all the pits and grooves of the teeth. During this visit, Dr. Sullivan will review X-rays, do an oral cancer screening, and identify any areas that need further treatment. We recommend visiting the dentist and hygienist at least once every six months in order to keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Sealants and Fluoride
Fluoride varnishes are often applied at the end of a regular cleaning appointment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is particularly important for children, as it serves to:
• Strengthen teeth
• Prevent tooth decay
• Protect against acid demineralization
Sealants are acrylic-like materials applied to the chewing surfaces of the back molars to seal them from decay-causing bacteria, typically for children, and are a service separate from regular cleanings. Together, fluoride and sealants ensure that children’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
Periodontal Therapy
Our goal is to help you stay orally healthy. Not only are we concerned about your teeth, we also do all we can to protect the gums, bones, and tissues that support your teeth against periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is a degenerative disease that is caused by an accumulation of plaque and calculus on the teeth and gums. In addition to tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to:
• Pregnancy complications
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Stroke
We provide several periodontal treatments, including scaling, root planing, and adjunctive therapy, to halt the progression of periodontal disease and to ensure that you remain in optimal oral health.
Ultrasonic Scaler
During your regular cleaning, our hygienist may suggest the use of an ultrasonic scaler to help remove calculus, a crusty deposit on teeth that is difficult to remove and can trap stains and cause discoloration. Ultrasonic scalers use high vibrational energy to:
• Gently remove calculus
• Flush away plaque bacteria
• Clean the surface of tooth roots without damaging them
• Control gum disease
Ultrasonic scalers are valuable tools in helping to fight disease more effectively and keeping your teeth as healthy and clean as possible.