Preventative Services

Many patients identify a trip to the dentist with a twice a year cleaning. Our dentists and hygienists are foremost interested in lifelong prevention of dental and oral disease. Our practice strives to recognize problems before they start and put measures in place to get patients in a stable stage in which they only require preventive maintenance. The Kelly hygienic departments educate patients about their oral condition and suggests measures to prevent tooth and gum disease. They also play an integral role in active therapy of periodontal disease (active infection and inflammation of the gums, bones and supporting structures of the tooth). In essence, an appointment with the hygienist may be far more than an opportunity to get "cleaned up". In varying degrees, depending on patient need, the professional dental cleaning and periodic oral exam is an opportunity to treat active disease, identify changes in the mouth and to be examined by the dentist to monitor changes that may require attention or treatment.

Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by a registered dental hygienist. In addition to a dental exam, prophylaxis includes removal of calculus (tartar), removal of plaque, and tooth polishing. Calculus is a hardened plaque that develops on teeth over time and is attached firmly to the tooth above and below the gum line. It is removed by scaling with specialized dental instruments. The presence of calculus influences the health of tooth, gum, and bone and harbors toxin releasing bacteria. Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the tooth surface. It is a growing colony of bacteria, food debris and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease and converts sugars in the diet to lactic acid that causes teeth decay.

In addition to scaling of plaque and calculus, tooth polishing removes plaque, calculus, and stain that is not removed by scaling or tooth brushing. Your dental hygienist may provide other therapeutic services included the use of antibacterial agents, application of sensitivity medications and the preventative application of fluoride to decrease the risk of tooth decay. Expect, when necessary for your dental hygienist to educate you about techniques and products that may assist in your oral home care. Each dental cleaning is accompanied by a periodic oral examination by the doctor.

Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental examination is performed by the dentist and dental assistant at the initial visit to the Kelly office, most often before the first cleaning is performed. A comprehensive exam is also done when the planning for complex dental treatment arises. At regular checkup exams the dentist and hygienists will do the following:

Examination of diagnostic radiographs
When necessary radiographs (X-rays) are essential for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, tooth position, and bone loss. Panoramic (whole jaw) films or full series of every tooth are indicated every five years. More concise bite wing film series and radiographs of individual teeth are taken more frequently when needed to detect bone loss, decay, and specific problems of individual teeth.
Oral Cancer Screening
The face, neck, lips, tongue and oral tissues are checked for any signs of oral cancer.
Periodontal Evaluation
The gums and bone level are checked for any sign of gum and bone disease.
Examination of Teeth
All surfaces of teeth will be checked for any signs of decay, erosion, cracking, and heavy wear. Additionally the condition of existing restorations will be evaluated.
Occlusal Splint Therapy
There are many circumstances and conditions that greatly benefit from the use of an occusal splint appliance. Splints (commonly known as bite guards or night guards) are a thin, hard acrylic appliance that covers the biting surface of either the upper or lower arch of teeth. They are commonly worn every night during sleep or as needed to provide comfort. Splints are useful for a variety of treatment goals and diagnosis. Night time bruxism (grinding) is a common condition experienced by many. This grinding and clenching can wear down teeth, crack teeth, chip front teeth, cause mobility, and inflammation sensitivity around the ligaments supporting teeth. Splints are adjusted to an ideal biting contact with the opposing arch of teeth that correlates with the natural position of the TMJ joint and biting muscles. This comfortable position reduces stress on the joint and relieves tension by relaxing the muscles of mastication (chewing) in the face, jaws, neck and head. In addition to preventing destruction of tooth structure, splints can reduce symptoms of many TMJ disorders and myofacial pain caused by bite disease and misalignment of the teeth in relation to the correct and natural position of the jaw and joint. The splint is for this reason often used prior to major dental restorative dental procedure to establish the correct position of the jaws prior to final alteration of the bite. There are many "bite guards” available in drug stores and on the internet- in fact some people even try using mouth guards sold in sporting goods stores. Beware, all of these over-the-counter products, while protecting the teeth from contact, pose a significant risk to the joints and muscles. While they may fit snug to the teeth they are not made to specifically adjusted to the patients bite. If you think you are having signs or symptoms that may indicate a guard, do yourself a favor and consider a proven professionally made splint.

Restorative Services - return teeth to health and function
Cosmetic Services - improve the esthetic appearance of smiles
Preventative Services - defend against future problems
Diagnostic Services - find solutions to disease, so we can suggest care
Tips for Home Care - advice on maintaining your smile
Invisible Orthodontics - straightening teeth without braces