GENERAL DENTISTRY
Routine dental care is the foundation of a beautiful, healthy smile. When you get exams and professional cleanings on a regular basis – ideally at least every six months – you will be taking important steps to reduce your risk of oral diseases that can devastate your smile’s appearance as well as your oral health.
We recognize that some people have anxiety about seeing the dentist, and we are committed to ensuring that you get adequate care despite your fears. That is why we prioritize patient comfort and offer options such as nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help patients overcome those fears when necessary. If you’ve gotten off-track with your routine dental checkups, call us today to schedule an appointment and take advantage of these services.
Checkups and Cleanings
When Dr. Ku monitors your teeth and gums for signs of issues such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer on a regular basis, it’s much easier to diagnose those conditions at earlier stages when more conservative treatments can be effective in addressing them. In the case of oral cancer, semiannual checkups can be a lifesaving endeavor because the prognosis for this disease is good when it is identified early. Unfortunately, though, many cases of oral cancer aren’t diagnosed until they have already spread to surrounding tissue, making it much harder to treat. These checkups are short and painless, but they have tremendous benefits.
Professional cleanings by a dental hygienist, known as dental prophylaxis, are also provided at the six-month checkup appointment. This service is also integral to maintaining your oral health, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing as directed. While a home oral hygiene routine is an essential contributor to a healthy smile, it is not sufficient in itself to protect your teeth from the effects of plaque and tartar. It can be difficult to keep certain parts of the smile clean enough with your own toothbrush, but a dental hygienist will have a better angle on these spots to remove any plaque and tartar that have accumulated there. Your teeth will also be polished after they are cleaned, boosting your smile’s appearance.
Preventive Treatments
In some cases, patients may want to include additional preventive treatments beyond cleanings and exams. Fluoride treatments help to promote re-mineralization of your teeth to keep them strong and healthy. Fluoride also protects the teeth from the effects of the acid byproducts of oral bacteria, which cause tooth decay. Dental sealants can serve a similar purpose. Be sure to ask Dr. Ku which preventive treatment will be most beneficial for you.
If more than six months have passed since your last exam and cleaning, call our office to set up an appointment and get back on track with your dental care.