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Preventive Dentistry Vancouver WAThe biggest step in oral hygiene is your personal care at home. Dr. Farmer recommends a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam twice a year for optimal dental health, more frequently in certain cases. This recommendation applies to both children and adults. There are many simple steps to help ensure your smile stays healthy and strong for years to come. The standard dental cleaning is called a dental prophylaxis. Good oral health has demonstrated a very strong link between periodontal care and cardiovascular health, thus healthy gums and teeth extends far beyond just a beautiful smile. Dental teeth cleanings can reach many other areas of your overall health. If you have had gum disease or serious tooth decay in the past, your preventative plan will involve much more thorough cleanings necessitating more than once a year checkups. Teeth cleaning may not be enough and other procedures may have to be suggested. At Thurston Oaks Dental, we offer many great preventative dental care services for our patents. Some of the most common procedures are as follows: Dental ExamJake Farmer, DDS recommends a dental exam every six months to ensure optimal oral health. This exam is typically done as part of your regular cleaning appointment. During your dental exam, we take digital x-rays to help us in our diagnosis of any oral issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. Dental CleaningIt is important to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams with us. We recommend our patients come to see us every six months. Professional dental cleanings act as a preventive measure against tooth decay, cavities, tooth damage, gum disease, and the development of other oral health issues. Our dentist and hygienist will use specialized dental tools to eliminate tartar buildup and polish your teeth, surpassing the effectiveness of routine home care. Digital X-RaysDigital x-rays are a method that uses up to 75% less radiation than traditional film-based x-rays. Dental x-rays are a diagnostic aid used to determine periodontal disease, cavities, or oral pathologies, and are now part of your standard dental exam and office visit. Some patients may only need x-rays every few years and some with a past history of cavities may require closer monitoring, needing x-rays several times a year. Deep CleaningDeep Cleanings are often recommended by the hygienist and dentist based on of the presence and severity of periodontal disease. A deep cleaning may involve either full mouth debridement if it has been several years since the last cleaning, or scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease present. A proper diagnosis is made with a full mouth periodontal examination as well as x-rays. Deep cleaning procedures involve use of local anesthetic and are usually completed over several appointments. During these appointments, your hygienist will clean underneath the gums as well as above them. Three weeks after the deep cleaning procedure is completed we will reevaluate to assess how well you have responded to treatment. At this time either a periodontal maintenance program will be selected or additional work may be needed. Gum Disease Treatment and CareRegular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. The treatment methods that Dr. Snodgrass recommends will depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious. |
 Office hoursMonday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm Friday: 7:00am - 12:00pm |
