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• Periodic Appointments
• Bad Breath?
• Importance of a Balanced Bite
• Electronic Toothbrushes
• Facts on Gum Disease
• Home Care for Night guards
• Implants?
• Dr. Eaves in New York
• Dental Diseases
• Tmj and Jaw Pain
• Tooth Paste
• Tooth Whitening
• Veneers
• White Fillings: Strength and Beauty

Nearly ever dental office has appointments available for periodic checkups. Did you ever wonder why? These appointments exist for several different reasons. The primary purpose of these appointments is to allow for prevention and minimal invasive dentistry. Prophylaxis is the technical medical terminology for the prevention of disease. It is also the name for the routine tooth cleaning performed in a dental office.

This removal of plaque, tartar, and debris helps you to maintain your teeth properly at home. The professional and complete cleaning of the teeth on a regular basis and lower the risk to both caries (the disease that causes cavities) and to gum disease. It cannot replace thorough oral hygiene at home.

The second effect of these regular appointments is that problems can be detected while they are still small. Gingivitis, the mildest form of gums disease is correctable with a simple professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis requires more extensive treatment. Most of us would choose to have less extensive dental treatments so early detection is preferable.

In addition to gingivitis, small cavities sometimes require small treatments. Very small cavities on smooth surfaces are best treated by using fluoride preparations at home. Many times we can complete stop the disease and remineralize these small cavities. Small cavities in the grooves of teeth can also be treated conservatively, usually without anesthetic and without discomfort. But for this to work, the cavities have to be detected and treated when they are very small. New advances in technology and science may present new ways to conquer old dental problems. Regular visits to the dental office may help to keep you informed of these advances and how they may help you.

Many of our patients also use these appointments to ask questions that have arisen from dentally related media reports. We have had questions about tooth whitening, cosmetics, implants, sterilization, and anesthetics in the last year. We welcome the chance to answer your questions.