Preventive & Restorative Dentistry

preventive dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. This helps to avoid cavities, gum diseases, enamel wear, and more. There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing and dental cleanings.

Oral Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
An oral 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 Oral Confidence can use to effectively halt its progression.
Contact us for more information about Oral Prophylaxis.

Fluoride Treatment- Gel type / Fluoride Varnish
Dentists recommend that children and adults should brush their teeth using toothpaste that contains fluoride. For those who are particularly prone to tooth decay, mouthwash, gels and tablets containing higher concentrations of fluoride are also available.

Fluoride varnish is another treatment that can be used to help protect against tooth decay. The varnish contains high levels of fluoride and is painted onto the surface of both baby and adult teeth, usually every six months. It works by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

Airflow Treatment (Painless Stain Removal)
Airflow is a painless stain removal treatment that results in whiter teeth than you have ever had before – and all without actually touching your teeth!

Sounds unlikely? It works through the combined power of three things – air, sodium bicarbonate and a jet of water. Airflow produces great results without any risk of damaging your teeth and
the results are immediate – you’ll feel and see the difference as soon as the Airflow dental treatment has been completed. Imagine how good it will feel to walk out into the world knowing that your teeth have never looked better

Periodic Dental Check Ups
The best way to maintain good oral hygiene is to brush and floss your teeth and to visit your dentist for regularly. Your dentist not only examines your teeth for signs of decay or damage, he also looks for early signs of gum disease and oral cancer.

It is normally recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year, although people who have severe gum disease or a weakened immune system may need to visit the dentist more often.

Sports Mouthguards
Mouthguards are made from a plastic material called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA is strong and tough and can be easily moulded to fit precisely over your teeth and gums. Mouthguards are the most effective protective pieces of equipment to help prevent injury to the mouth - protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. A mouthguard does not only protect your mouth, it can also cushion blows to the mouth or jaw therefore preventing damage to the jaw, neck or brain.

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Tooth Filling (Composite) & Temporary Filling
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth colored restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Tooth Sealant
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can't reach. Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed. Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.

Inlay, Onlay
An inlay is a restoration (usually gold, composite or ceramics) fabricated in the lab that cements on a tooth like a missing puzzle piece. It helps to restore the normal function and outlook of the tooth. While an onlay is a restoration that covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

"Your annual
dental check up is essential to your
oral health because it helps your dentist determine what, if any, underlying dental conditions are harming your teeth so they can be promptly and thoroughly treated."