________________________
________________________
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dental Exams
The beginning of a beautiful smile begins with basic oral health. Dr. Lum evaluates for a multitude of things which may include decay, breakdown of teeth from grinding habits, dry mouth, etc. Digital X-rays are done, as well as an oral cancer screening. If a new smile is what you want, he will have an open discussion with you to decide on your plan of care. From there, he can help maintain or design the smile of your dreams so that you can begin to live your life with confidence!
Dental Cleanings
Our team will maintain your oral health with dental cleanings. Plaque which can cause periodontal gum disease is removed, pocket measurements done to determine gum health, and assessments of recession is done before polishing of the teeth. If Dr. Lum determines that the gums need to be addressed, he may put your on a periodontal therapy program to improve your oral health.
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:
Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Prophylaxis can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Lum can use to effectively halt its progression.