Preventive Dentistry
Dr. Thompson recommends that certain procedures be performed at regular dental visits as part of your proper dental hygiene. This preventative dentistry prevents problems before they start, corrects routine problems before they worsen, and identifies serious oral problems so they can be properly treated
Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings by Dr. Thompson or his dental hygienist are part of a proper oral hygiene program. Cleanings help fight plaque, the major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and serious gum disease.
Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are a crucial part of preventative dentistry because they allow Dr. Thompson to address dental problems in their early stages, and to identify serious problems. Most healthy people need an exam every six months, but people with most types of gum problems need more frequent visits.
Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride therapy has been proven beneficial in maintaining optimal oral health in children and adults, particularly in the prevention of tooth decay and hypersensitivity.
Scaling
Plaque that remains on teeth eventually hardens into tartar, which is virtually impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Scaling is the deep-cleaning procedure Dr. Thompson or his hygienist uses to scrape the tartar off your teeth at and below the gumline.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays take pictures called radiographs that show Dr. Thompson the interior of dental structures and tissues, like teeth, gums and bones. These allow him to make a more thorough examination than is possible with the naked eye, and can help spot problems that would otherwise go undetected and untreated.
