Brushing and flossing alone are not sufficient to remove plaque and bacteria, especially in difficult-to-reach areas. Regular professional cleanings are recommended at least twice per year to remove the tartar (hardened plaque and bacteria, also known as calculus) that builds up, particularly just above and below the gumline. Our hygeinists will use specific instruments to remove these substances from every surface of your teeth. They will also polish your teeth to create a smooth surface that prevents sticky plaque and bacteria from adhering as easily to your enamel.

Digital x-rays offer a significant reduction in radiation compared to conventional film xrays – up to 90% less. They are a fast, comfortable tool used to analyze the condition of your teeth and surrounding bone structures. Because many conditions cannot be seen with a simple visual exam, the use of digital x-rays provides a very accurate and high-resolution image to visualize and diagnose:

• Deep cavities
• Decay between teeth or below existing restorations
• Infection below or within teeth
• Abscesses and cysts
• Gum disease
• Various types of tumors
• Developmental abnormalities

An intraoral camera is a small device that is able to capture magnified photographs of your teeth and gums. The images are immediately displayed on our chair-side computer so you can see exactly what is happening with your teeth and gums. It is important for you to be able to see what we see during your exam so you can make smart and informed choices for your dental health.

Dr. Shipmon or Dr. Bell will regularly examine your teeth, mouth and gums during your routine cleaning appointments. Early diagnosis of any dental and oral problems that arise is the first step in providing treatment that is both conservative and timely.

Dental sealants are a very easy and effective way to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children and young adults. Sealants fill in the grooves and crevices on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. This prevents food particles and bacteria from penetrating the grooves and causing decay. The procedure is quick, completely painless and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Fluoride significantly helps strengthen tooth structure, thereby preventing decay and other problems. Fluoride is especially important for children, as it becomes integrated with growing teeth and helps develop resistance to acids in the oral environment later on in life.

Dr. Shipmon and Dr. Bell conduct an oral cancer screening at every routine exam. Oral cancers are an increasingly pervasive health problem. Every hour of every day, someone in the U.S. dies from some form of oral cancer, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF). However, oral cancer is highly curable when detected early, so we screen for the warning signs at every routine checkup. In addition, digital panoramic x-rays further allow us to screen for possible tumors and abnormalities that may not be noticeable upon visual examination.

Custom nightguards are often prescribed for individuals who clench, grind or “brux” their teeth at night while sleeping. Nighttime bruxing is a major cause of significant tooth wear as well as other problems with occlusion (or “bite”) and the jaw joints (TMJ).

Custom athletic mouthguards are for use with any sport or activity where the teeth and jaw (as well as soft tissue areas of the tongue, lips and cheek) may get hit or receive trauma. A custom-fitted mouthguard fits tightly to the contours of the teeth and is fabricated with superior material. This not only provides greater protection for the teeth and soft tissue, but also allows the mouthguard to be worn more comfortably and stay in place more effectively.