Not A Routine Cleaning
We want you to feel your recare (check-up and
cleaning) visit is as important as your other dental treatment visits. The examination (check-up) portion of your recall visit includes a health history update and a soft-tissue/oral cancer screening. Dr. Sugar will examine your bite and your temporomandibular (jaw) joints, examine your entire mouth and look for any signs of disease, particularly decay and gum disease, and prescribe any necessary treatment. Once a year, it will also be necessary to take x-rays to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums.
One of the most important services we provide is in our hygiene department. We have a strong program to keep our patients' gum tissue and supporting structures in optimum health. This is to prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.
This is the major problem adults encounter. In fact, 80% of adults will be affected by this disease in their lifetime. Prevention of periodontal disease is extremely important due to its health links to increasing the risks of heart disease, respiratory disease, patients with joint replacements, and lower birth weights of newborns.
My hygienists as well as our entire staff have had extensive continuing education and training to have the most advanced techniques to prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dr. Sugar and the hygiene team will customize, based on your exam, a dental hygiene treatment plan to fit your individual needs. This will entail establishing the proper recurring cleaning schedule (3, 4 or 6 months). With your partnership and cooperation with the hygienists, you'll have the best chance for optimum health in order to keep your teeth for a lifetime.
They will also make sure you have the home care aids (tongue scraper, Sulcabrush, rubber tip stimulators, etc.) that will help you maintain a healthy mouth in between recare cleaning appointments. In addition, many patients will be prescribed in-office or at-home fluoride. This has proven to be very instrumental in relieving sensitivity and preventing gum disease and cavities.
Once your periodontal or gum tissue is healthy, our prevention program involves treatment plans that insure that your dental restorations are in optimal condition. The fillings or restorations should be able to eliminate or prevent decay, prevent fracture of teeth and also improve function and aesthetics. Our treatment plans ultimately promote prevention which enables you to have the peace of mind of optimal oral health and as maintenance-free as possible.