New Patient Exam & Consultation
This is commonly for new patients who haven’t seen a dentist in 2+ years and those with extensive needs. The patient’s time is spent with Dr. Thiery and Dental Assistant Sheila where a thorough examination of the mouth is completed, usually involving digital x-rays. There is also a consultation with the patient to determine current and future dental needs and steps to take to help maintain oral health or get oral health back on track.
Digital X-Rays:
Low-radiation images taken of teeth to determine overall health of teeth and changes over time.
Sealants:
Material placed on the chewing surface of teeth that fills the grooves to aid in cavity prevention. Most commonly placed in children’s 6 & 12 year molars. Once placed in our office, they are checked and replaced as needed with no further charge through their teen years.
Dental Cleaning
In addition to oral hygiene at home, it is necessary to have your teeth cleaned at least every six months. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing help, however, a professional cleaning will attend to the areas that you miss. During the cleaning, your hygienist will also inform you on how to take good care of your teeth, answer questions, and inform you on products available that are specific to your needs. During the cleaning, bitewing x-rays are taken at a recommended interval specific for you. A full mouth set of x-rays is often made every 5-7 years. The dentist should also do an exam every six months.
Periodontal Disease Management
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. To prevent this, different levels of periodontal procedures are performed in the dental office. The simplest is scaling and root planning, a deeper gum cleaning where the hygienist uses their instruments to remove unhealthy tissue and hardened inorganic plaque/tartar material. The gum tissue typically responds very well to treatment with good home care and more frequent recall cleanings.
Sometimes further treatment of a deep gum pocket is required to improve the tissue. This usually involves a lowering of the gums on the tooth. It turns a deep gum pocket into a shallower one that is easier for the patient to clean. There are other times when an antibiotic can be placed in an area of an infected gum pocket. It is important to talk to your dentist about which treatment options are available and the expected outcomes. Dr. Thiery has a periodontist which performs many of these more advanced procedures at Young at Heart Dentistry approximately once a month.