Preventative Dental Care

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Dental hygiene and a commitment to recare is the least painful, least time consuming, and least uncomfortable way to protect and improve your dental health.

Regular Checkups.

Our talented hygienist will work with you to monitor your periodontal status (gum health), improve your hygiene at home, and maintain your restoration and teeth. We use digital radiographs (x-rays) which provide sharp images and expose the patient to levels of radiation much lower than traditional x-rays.

Regular Cleanings.

Routine 3 to 6 month cleanings allow Dr. Spina and his team to identify problems earlier and allow a more conservative treatment. It is truly a magic bullet for your dental health.

Fluoride.

What is fluoride? Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally occurring in drinking water in many areas. In these areas, a drastic reduction in dental disease was noted. That is how fluoride, as a treatment modality, was born.

Adult fluoride is also called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride (fluoride that is applied directly to your teeth) works directly on the tooth surfaces most at risk of decay. Adults with gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and existing dental restorations can greatly benefit from this treatment.

Gum Recession, Sensitivity and Fluoride.

Areas on the tooth where the gums have receded is soft, susceptible to decay and can be sensitive. Fluoride incorporates into the outer layer of the tooth and helps to insulate and strengthen the tooth, making it more resistant to decay and much less sensitive. The junction of the tooth and a filling is another area where fluoride incorporates. This junction is the weakest part of the restoration and the place most susceptible to fracture and more decay. Fluoride helps to reinforce those areas and helps prevent decay from sneaking under the filling. This reduces the need for larger fillings, crowns, and root canals.

Adult fluoride is applied as a thin varnish. It is best placed after the teeth have been professionally cleaned. It is NOT like the large trays used during childhood. As an adjunct, a fluoride rinse after brushing at home is also helpful. Fluoride is the easiest and most cost effective preventive measure we have in dentistry and provides many benefits for adults.

There is a lot of great information available about the benefits of fluoride.

Resources.

Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States

Topical Fluoride Guidance

Products.

ACT Fluoride Rinse

Listerine Rinse

Frequently Asked Questions:
Cosmetic Dentistry

Click on any question to view the answer…

Why are routine dental cleanings important?

Routine dental cleanings are the least expensive, least painful, and fastest way to maintain great oral health. Regular cleanings allow Dr. Spina to identify potential issues early, ensuring timely treatment and reducing the risk of more serious problems in the future. Additionally, a clean mouth contributes to overall well-being, as poor oral health is linked to various systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Why do I need x-rays?

Dental X-rays are essential for detecting problems that are not visible during a regular dental examination, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, and infections in the jawbone. They help Dr. Spina accurately diagnose dental issues, plan effective treatments, and monitor the health of teeth and gums over time. Additionally, X-rays contribute to preventive care by identifying potential issues early, ultimately saving patients time and money on more extensive treatments.

How often do I need x-rays?

Dental X-rays are generally recommended every year for adults, depending on individual risk factors. If you have a high decay rate (meaning you have had a lot of fillings and crowns done or you have new areas of decay often) Dr. Spina may recommend more frequent x-rays. If you have a low decay rate and have not had much dental disease, Dr. Spina may recommend every two years.

What can happen if I wait to get x-rays?

Skipping dental X-rays can lead to undiagnosed issues such as cavities, infections, or other dental problems that may worsen over time. Without these diagnostic images, Dr Spina may miss critical conditions like tooth decay beneath the surface or the early stages of periodontal disease. Ultimately, neglecting X-rays can result in more extensive and costly treatments later on, as well as a potential decline in overall oral health.

Can I refuse x-rays?

Of course! However, if Dr. Spina feels he cannot adequately treat you without x rays, he will dismiss you from the practice. The longest Dr. Spina will let a patient hold off on x-rays and remain a patient of the practice is 3 years. If a patient does not allow Dr. Spina to have new x-rays in 3 years, he will dismiss them from the practice because he cannot adequately treat them.

I have had nothing but great experiences with Dr. Spina!

—Laura Janssen

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