Protecting Smiles with Preventive Dentistry

Dental Exams

Comprehensive dental exams allow us to identify potential concerns early and support your overall health. During your initial visit, Dr. Ashley thoroughly evaluates your full oral health, reviews your medical and dental history, and addresses any specific concerns. Ongoing exams during hygiene visits help monitor your teeth, gums & jaw to catch issues early and maintain long-term wellness.

Each examination includes:

• Gum disease screening to check for signs of inflammation or infection.
• Oral cancer screening of the mouth & throat.
• Evaluation for sleep issues, jaw discomfort, or chronic headaches.
• Assessment of teeth for cavities, sensitivity & overall stability.
• Digital imaging of teeth, bone, sinuses & jaw joints when needed.

Professional Cleanings For Adults

Regular professional cleanings are an essential part of your long-term dental health. After an exam by Dr. Ashley, our dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove buildup, assess oral health, and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

During your adult cleaning, we will:

• Remove plaque and bacteria from tooth surfaces to prevent decay, gum disease & gingivitis.
• Eliminate hardened calculus deposits, including those beneath the gumline that brushing can’t reach.
• Evaluate and chart the health of teeth and supporting gum structures.
• Develop a personalized plan to maintain your oral health between visits.

Professional Cleanings For Children

Children’s professional cleanings focus on keeping young smiles healthy while monitoring growth & development. Our team combines thorough cleanings with education to help kids build lifelong oral care habits.

During your child’s cleaning, we will:

• Remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to cavities & gum disease.
• Clear calculus buildup from all tooth surfaces.
• Monitor tooth eruption and jaw development with digital imaging.
• Recommend orthodontic evaluations if needed to guide proper growth.
• Screen for tongue-ties or lip-ties that may affect breathing or development.
• Create a customized care plan to support ongoing oral health.

Digital X-Rays

Dental X-rays play an essential role in detecting issues that may not be visible during a standard exam. Radiographs allow us to diagnose problems early, monitor changes, and guide your care plan with precision.

X-rays help us identify:

• Cavities between teeth, fractures, failing restorations & hidden damage.
• Changes in tooth roots, such as resorption or abnormal shape & length.
• Bone loss or infections that affect jawbone density.
• Sinus issues & abnormalities in the TMJ or nasal passages.
• Impacted or unerupted teeth.
• Bone levels supporting teeth to monitor periodontal health.

Digital X-rays Advantages

• Use significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays.
• Faster processing & immediate viewing on a computer.
• Enhanced images for better diagnosis & record-keeping.
• Environmentally friendly with no chemical processing required.

Occlusal Sealants

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of children’s permanent molars as they erupt, reducing the risk of early cavities. The deep grooves of these teeth can trap bacteria and are difficult to clean fully with brushing alone. After confirming the tooth is cavity-free, we clean, prepare, and apply a protective sealant to block bacteria from settling in the grooves. Sealants typically last about two years before reapplication may be needed.

Advantage Arrest- Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to stop early tooth decay, reduce sensitivity & prevent future cavities. The liquid is painlessly applied to affected teeth without the need for shots or drilling. As it dries, decayed areas darken to indicate the treatment is working. If needed, fillings can later be placed to restore appearance or function.

SDF is especially helpful for:

Treating cavities in children’s primary teeth.
Managing decay around crowns or bridges.
Addressing root surface decay in adults.
Stabilizing multiple cavities when full treatment isn’t immediately possible.

We monitor treated areas every 6 months to ensure ongoing healing & stability.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease is a common but serious condition that affects many adults, often without early symptoms. Regular screenings at each visit help us detect signs early and monitor your gum health over time. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums.
• Heavy plaque and tartar buildup.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Loose or shifting teeth.

Gum disease begins when bacteria form plaque on teeth, triggering inflammation as your immune system responds. Over time, this can damage gums and the bone supporting your teeth. Early intervention focuses on removing bacteria, stopping the progression, and preserving healthy tissue and bone.