Our preventative staff includes three hygienists and one assistant. They are dedicated to providing thorough care for each individual patient. We emphasize personalized education, diagnosis, and treatment. Our commitment is for a lifetime of oral health for all our patients.

• Cleanings for adults and children
• Periodontal maintenance and deep cleanings
• Thorough screening for gum disease at each appointment
• Oral cancer and blood pressure screening
• Intra Oral camera in each hygiene operatory
• Nitrous Oxide available
• Sealants

Check Up /Cleaning

A Check Up/Cleaning appointment will consist of an oral exam, oral cancer exam, X-rays when necessary, cleaning, and oral hygiene instruction. The dental hygienist will do a complete examination and assessment of your dental health and clean your teeth. The dentist will come in at the end of the appointment to do an exam and will develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. For more information from the American Dental Hygiene Association, click here.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is often referred to as a "deep cleaning" and may include the use of local anesthetic. It is often recommended to remove heavy calculas (tartar) buildup deep below the gumline. It is not a "routine" cleaning. When plaque is not removed effectively and regularly, it hardens into calculas (tartar) and begins to bond more strongly to the tooth and root surfaces. When it has been a very long time between cleanings, or when the periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums are deeper than 3-4mm, scaling and root planing can be an effective treatment.

Periodontal Therapy and Treatment

Periodontal treatment procedures vary for each individual. If your condition is severe, it may be necessary to refer you to a periodontist (periodontal specialist) for surgical treatment.

Scaling and root planing is a form of periodontal therapy that can successfully treat the early stages of periodontal disease. Even if bone loss has begun, scaling and root planing can help prevent periodontal disease from progressing if you are able to properly maintain good oral hygiene. Another form of treatment is the use of Arestin in conjunction with scaling and root planing. Arestin is an antibiotic (minocycline HCL) that is delivered directly into the periodontal pocket to fight the infected area. Over about a 14 day period, the Arestin microspheres are slowly released to fight the infection and allow the gums to heal.