In need of a dental cleaning?
Dr. Alesandra is happy to treat you and your children! Don't forget most insurances allow benefits toward dental cleanings every 6 months. Some every 4 months! Make sure you take advantage of your benefits. Oh, and don't forget about your twice a year check-ups!
Radiographs
X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnostic process, and not to use them could lead to undiagnosed disease. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth, and supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take X-rays using 50-70% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. Coupled with computer monitoring, digital x-ray technology allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.
Dental Cleaning
Prophylaxis, commonly known as a dental cleaning, is recommended every 6 months by the ADA. A prophylaxis aids in removing plaque and tartar that can be difficult to remove with regular toothbrushing. Sometimes a patient needs a more advanced dental cleaning if the attachment of the gum to the tooth is poor or if there is surrounding bone loss around the teeth, as seen in periodontal disease.
Sealants
Sealants used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.