Cleaning and Prevention

A preventive program is a cooperative effort between you, Dr. Westerberg and our dental hygienists to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of Dr. Westerberg and our dental hygienists to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

 

We offer the following:

• Dental Exams & Cleanings

• Dental X-rays

• Home Care

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Westerberg at your initial visit.  At regular check-up exams, Dr. Westerberg and our dental hygienists 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) will be performed by one of our outstanding dental hygienist,  Jenny.  

 

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.

 

Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dr. Westerberg and one of our dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts

• Bone loss

• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors

• Decay between the teeth

• Developmental abnormalities

• Poor tooth and root positions

• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

 

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Our office utilizes digital x-rays, which greatly reduces radiation exposure during dental x-rays. A full mouth series of our digital dental x-rays is less than one day of normal environmental exposure. We take radiation exposure very seriously and only take x-rays when we need them, always using protective lead aprons.

 

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Dr. Westerberg and one of our dental hygienists will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems