At your initial exam and every cleaning appointment, we will perform a comprehensive dental exam. We examine the teeth and check for cavities or areas showing abnormal wear. We often take digital x-rays, which allow us to see the areas in-between or under the teeth. At these exams, a head and neck cancer screening is conducted, and we check for oral cancers or ulcers on the gums, tongue, or lips.
A dental sealant is a clear coating that is applied to protect the chewing surface of teeth from forming cavities. It’s a pain-free procedure and doesn’t require any numbing agents. The liquid sealant is simply brushed on the tooth and the sealant is then bonded and hardened using a special light.
We recommend most of our patients have their teeth cleaned every six months. However, for some patients, it has been quite some time since their last cleaning. In these instances, we often recommend a more thorough cleaning and further gum treatments.
Apple Tree Dental offers a variety of cleanings and gum treatments. After your first exam, your dentist will recommend the type of cleaning or gum treatment and recall interval that is right for you. For patients diagnosed with gum disease, deeper cleanings are often needed every three to four months.
Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride used to prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. Apple Tree Dental, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, recommend children have fluoride varnish applied to their teeth two times per year to prevent cavities. Adults can also benefit from fluoride treatments because it hardens the teeth, which minimizes tooth sensitivity and prevents decay.
Teledentistry
Teledentistry is the use of intraoral images, radiographs, and/or photos or video technology to provide virtual visits and collect information to make further health decisions.
Apple Tree can use teledentistry to aid in preventive dentistry. It can be used to triage prior to a patient's first visit, collect information to schedule a first visit, or even provide a limited exam before a first visit.
To learn more about teledentistry, go to our page on Apple Tree Technology.
