Preventative

Consultation / Evaluation

Getting an oral exam from a dentist is the first step on the path to a healthy smile. At Lif Dental every new patient receives a check-up and X-rays. The doctor will then make you a custom treatment plan that will address your individual needs and concerns.

Here’s what you can expect at a Lif Dental exam:

An overview of your medical history. After filling out our new patient information, the team will take note of any medication or conditions that may affect your oral health.

A conversation with the Dentist. You will meet with the dentist and address any concerns that you have about your teeth and oral health.

An oral evaluation and x-ray reading. The dentist uses these images to look for cavities, infections, abnormal movement, tooth decay, abnormal pathology and overall hygiene.

The dentist presents a treatment plan presentation. When the exam is complete, the dentist reviews the findings with you and develops a customized treatment plan based on your needs to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Cleanings

If you want to keep your teeth looking their best, professional teeth cleanings are essential in maintaining healthy, plaque-free teeth. Many people believe that having an annual checkup is enough to preserve a beautiful smile. In reality, professional teeth cleanings are required to remove hidden tartar, plaque and bacteria.

Although your teeth may feel or appear clean, plaque and disease-causing bacteria builds up between teeth and under your gums. Unfortunately, even the most sophisticated toothbrush will not get to those hard-to-reach areas. It takes professional teeth cleanings by a dental hygienist to remove unwanted plaque and bacteria. This is critical in preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Routine cleanings should be done every six months. Some patients may require more frequent appointments.

Sealants

Sealants are a resin material that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants protect your teeth from plaque and acids that cause decay.

Sealants are easily applied and take only a few minutes per tooth. At each appointment your sealants will be checked to make sure that they are retained. Reapplication may be necessary after several years of use.

Scaling and Root Planing

Gingivitis is a serious disease that can result in periodontal disease if left untreated. Our hygiene team is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and specializes in scaling and root planing procedures used to treat periodontal conditions. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and supports your teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and tender gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose teeth or gums that bleed easily.

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Scaling and root planing may be recommended to treat your periodontal condition. Scaling and root planing involves the physical removal of plaque and tartar from the coronal and root surfaces of the teeth. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate your periodontal condition and provide the best treatment to improve your gum health.