Cleanings
Cleanings or prophylaxis should be completed every 6 months for healthy individuals (adults and children age 4 and up). We also provide periodontal maintenance appointments for patients who require more frequent cleanings. A history of periodontal disease (diagrammed below) is one reason for needing cleanings every 3-4 months.
Exams
Twice per year a Periodic Exam will be completed when you come for your cleaning visit.
New patients will require a Comprehensive Exam.
Limited Exams describe a problem or emergency focused examination.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-Rays are available in our office for all types of x-rays. Producing much less radiation, they are healthier for patients and staff! Popping up immediately on the screen, they eliminate the time spent developing films to shorten your appointment. With visualization options on the monitors in every operatory, the dentist can diagnose more accurately and right before your eyes.
Bite wing x-rays are the most common tool for diagnosis decay between teeth where the dentist can't see. These may be taken every 6 to 24 months, depending on you individual decay risk.
A Panoramic x-ray shows all of the roots of all teeth, as well as the sinuses and jaw joints. The dentist will use this x-ray to evaluate upper and lower jaws for signs of infection, problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), impacted teeth, or cysts.
Dr. CarrieAnn R. Broderick performs orthodontics in the office, and often uses a cephalometric xray to determine the position of the jaws relative to the skull.
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Oral Cancer Screening
During your routine visit the doctor will perform a visual oral cancer screening.
Oral cancer rates are rising due to the connection to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
If detected early most oral cancers are treatable, but if left unchecked, many cancers can become life threatening in just a few years. It is important for every patient to receive an oral cancer screening, but it is increasingly important for smokers, alcohol drinkers, anyone over 40, and anyone who is sexually active.
Fluoride
Fluoride is routinely administered to children 17 and under during the cleaning visit.
Fluoride is available to all patients upon request.
We use a pleasant flavored fluoride varnish which coats the teeth for 6-8 hours.
Patients may eat and drink normally during this time, but should avoid brushing the teeth, as well as eating hot or crunchy foods.
