Our dentists provide general dentistry treatments at their Oak Park office to help you maintain a lifetime of outstanding oral health. Daily brushing and flossing are an excellent way to maintain the health of your smile, but establishing a relationship with a trusted dentist for annual examinations and teeth cleanings can help you enjoy healthy gums and teeth for many years to come, and detect any complications in their earliest stages. To learn more about how our dentists can help you enjoy the best possible oral health through general dentistry treatment, contact our Oak Park office today.
Comprehensive Examinations
When you visit One Magnificent Smile for a regular checkup exam, your appointment will include several examinations. These include diagnostic X-rays to detect any decay, cysts, tumors or bone loss, oral cancer screenings, which includes examination of the gums, lips, tongue, throat, neck and face, gum disease evaluation for signs of periodontal disease in the gums and bone around the teeth, and examination of tooth surfaces for decay. It may also include examination of your existing restorations, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, veneers, etc.
Comprehensive Tooth Cleaning
Your visit will also involve a professional, comprehensive tooth cleaning to remove matter that conventional brushing and flossing alone cannot address. This process includes the removal of calculus (also known as tartar), or the hardened plaque that has remained on the tooth for an extended period of time, and Plaque, which is the nearly invisible layer of bacteria that can develop on the surface of the tooth, producing toxins that inflame the gums and can spur periodontal disease.
Annual visits to One Magnificent Smile can also include the professional application of topical fluoride, which strengthens the teeth and prevents tooth decay. Most people receive exposure to fluoride through their drinking water and home dental care products such as toothpaste, but if you have recently experienced tooth decay, have sensitive teeth, or frequently consume foods that are sugary or high in carbohydrates, your doctor may recommend continued use of fluoride supplements.
Tooth Sealants
Tooth sealants are a general dentistry treatment involving the application of a thin plastic coating to the chewing surface of the molars or other deep grooves in the teeth. More than 75 percent of decay occurs in these areas because they can be difficult to clean. A sealant can make this surface smooth and easy to clean on a daily basis. They last for many years, but can wear or chip, and must be checked at regular dental visits. The process only takes a couple of minutes per tooth. Sealants are considered beneficial for children as well as adults. During your general dentistry appointment at our Oak Park office, we can determine if you are a candidate for sealants.