Using the Velscope Oral Cancer  Assessment  System,  we are able to detect oral cancers at a  earlier  rate than before.  Like many kinds of  cancer, oral cancer  can be  life-threatening if not  diagnosed and treated early.

• Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
  

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
  

• A lump, thickening, or rough spot
  

• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
  

 Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as  important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment  techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you  with the safest and most convenient treatment options  available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our  office.

 Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options  designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and  expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray  technology.

 Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as  comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we'll be  happy to answer any questions you may have.

 How do you brush your teeth like a professional?

Clean the Outer Surfaces!

 Begin by tilting your brush at an angle and gently sweeping it back  and forth  along the gum line for both the front and back of the upper  teeth; brushing  this way also at the gum line for the lower teeth too.  Brush the front six teeth  on the upper and lower teeth on the inside  by the palate and tongue using  the tip of the toothbrush using up and  down strokes to remove plaque from  the gum line and the back of  these teeth.

Chewing Surfaces!

 It takes a full two minutes to effectively clean your teeth. After  brushing the  gum line and outer surfaces, it is time to focus on the  chewing surfaces. The  chewing surfaces are not as smooth as the  front and back of your teeth, and  substances stick to uneven surfaces  more easily. Using gentle back-and-forth  strokes, brush these areas  well to prevent buildup.

​Clean Your Tongue!

 To keep your mouth healthy, don't just brush your teeth. Scrub your  tongue  as well to remove bacteria. Brushing your tongue is important  for routine  bad breath prevention.

                                            Do It All Again!

 Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an  examination of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just  your  teeth,  to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual  examination of your mouth, we will also  feel  the  tissue of your  mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities.

 If we find an area of  concern, we may perform a simple test,  such as a brush test, which  collects cells from a suspicious  lesion  in the mouth to be sent to a  laboratory for analysis. If this  test comes back atypical or positive,  we may  recommend a biopsy.

  No matter how often you brush and floss, plaque and tartar  deposits can still build up on your teeth. A professional teeth  cleaning is the single most effective way to remove these deposits  and prevent them from causing more serious problems in the  future. While a traditional teeth cleaning involves manually  scraping away these deposits with special dental tools, advances  in dental technologies now give you more options for teeth  cleanings.

 A deep cleaning may be recommended if excessive plaque and  tartar deposits have developed below the gum line. Deep  cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, involve a two-  part process: first, the stubborn deposits are removed, and then  the root surfaces are smoothed. A deep cleaning helps prevent  periodontal disease and restores gum tissues to a healthy state

 Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on  your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and  are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier  and more effective against tooth decay.

 Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against  tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, adults can also  receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth  rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will  recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

 Sealants last from three to five years, but it is fairly common to see adults with  sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection  when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let your dentist know, and  schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed.