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Services

Preventive Dentistry

 

Periodontal Treatment

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

· 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.

·Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and      gums for any signs of oral cancer.

·Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any     signs of periodontal disease.

·Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with  special dental instruments.

·Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

 

 Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (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.

 

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

 

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

 

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  

 

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

 

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In-Office Sedation
Hospital Dentistry

Dr. Hernandez may need to sedate their patients for treatment.  There are many different types of sedation available in our office as well as

out-patient hospital dentistry.  The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorse these forms of intervation for behavior and anxiety management in pediatric patients.

 

Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures or for patients with dental fears adn those that find it difficult to sit still.  Our office uses nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), oral sedatives and general anesthesia.  

 

Please inform the doctor of any medication or medical treatment your child is receiving prior to using sedation or anesthesia. 

General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed or eartubes placed.  This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only.

 

While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks.

 

The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment.

 

The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.

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