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Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a very important procedure that helps in halting the progression of gum disease. My Family Dentist In Syracuse was telling me that when bacteria is allowed to colonize the gum tissue it increases the risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease. Teeth cleaning, therefore, helps to prevent the destruction of both the gum and bone tissues.

What are the Benefits of teeth cleaning (Prophylaxis)?

One of the ways to maintain your oral health is through prophylaxis. The most important part of it is that it helps in halting the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Some of the reasons you need to do a prophylaxis include:

Having a Fresher Breath

One of the symptoms or indicators of periodontal disease is bad breathe also known as halitosis. Some of the causes of bad breath include periodontal problems, possible gangrene as a result of gum infection, and the presence of rotting food particles below your gum line. In order to improve your breath and alleviate gum irritations the calculus, bacteria and plaque has to be removed.

Helps in identifying any health issues

During prophylaxis the dentist will examine the entire oral cavity for any health problems such as oral cancer. The risk of gum disease is also evaluated and any signs of medical problems can be spotted early enough.

Aesthetics

Yellow, stained teeth will rob you all the confidence in your smile. Prophylaxis is a dental treatment that will take away any unsightly stains and give you the smile you deserve.

Tartar removal

In most cases brushing and flossing won’t remove bacteria and debris located in the gum pockets. To avoid serious periodontal problems the buildup on the gum line should be treated.

Teeth cleaning can be done either under general anesthetic or in the course of your regular visit to the dentist. At Smiles by Design in Syracuse, we recommend that you do this procedure at least twice a year as a preventative measure. If you are suffering from periodontitis, the treatment should be done once every three to four months.

Prophylaxis is one of the best treatments when it comes to effectively halting the progression of gum disease.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is probably one of those minerals that naturally exist in nearly all water and food supplies. The mineral is known to be the most effective agent when it comes to preventing tooth decay. The benefits of the mineral are many and itis supported by many professional and health bodies.

How does Fluoride work?

There are two types of fluoride namely systemic and topical fluoride. Systemic fluoride helps in strengthening erupted teeth and those developing under the gums while topical fluoride helps in strengthening the teeth once they have erupted. Topical fluoride seeps into the surface (outer) of the enamel thereby making it more resistant to decay.

While topical fluoride is gained by using dental products such as gels, mouth rinses, and toothpaste, systemic fluoride is gained from most foods and water supplies. Systemic fluoride may also de prescribed by a physician or dentist since it is also available in form of supplements and gels. At Smiles by Design in Syracuse, we recommend fluoride drops for infants. Growing children up through the teenage age can use tablets.

Our top priority is not only to see you maintain good oral health but also stay committed to routine preventative dentistry. Our preventative dentistry in Syracuse, New York includes hygiene therapy (cleanings), sealants, periodic examinations, and fluoride treatments for everyone in your family. The amounts of fluoride ingested by a child should be monitored to avoid fluorosis.

Note that fluoride alone can’t prevent your teeth from decaying. You should observe other best maintenance practices such as regular flossing, brushing at least twice a day, eating a balanced diet, Avoid sugary snacks, and regular visits to the dentist.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic is a large, single x-ray film that shows the entire bony structure of the face and teeth. A panoramic x-ray is used to get a view of what can’t be seen by naked eyes such as the wisdom teeth, fractures, signs of cavities, and bone loss. These X-ray differ from bitewing X-rays in that they are only taken when needed and are simple to perform.

Dental X-rays usually involve placing a film inside ones mouth. This is not the case for panoramic X-rays since the film is instead hid within a mechanism rotating outside an individual’s head. The main purpose of a panoramic X-ray is to help the dentist get a better view of the mandibular nerve, the sinus areas, and the nasal areas. The x-ray will, therefore, be taken when an individual is experiencing severe pain and the dentist suspects a sinus problem.

Why are Panoramic X-rays taken?

  • When there is need to expose impacted teeth as well as fractures on the jawbone.
  • To help in planning for treatment.
  • To get a better view and assess a patient with a severe gag reflex.
  • For exposing abnormalities, tumors and cysts
  • Assessing cavities and revealing gum disease.

Our professionals at Smiles by Design utilize Panoramic X-rays to get an ear-to-ear two dimensional view of a patient’s jaw (both the lower and upper). We also use the X-rays when checking whether dental implants can have any effect on the mandibular nerve.

Apart from being a valuable tool for planning treatment among patients, panoramic X-rays are much safer compared to other X-ray types due to the fact that they allow less radiation into the patient’s body.

Feel free to contact our professionals in Syracuse, New York in case of any concerns or questions about panoramic X-rays.

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