Protecting Smiles with Preventive Dentistry

Dental Exams

Comprehensive dental exams are essential for identifying potential health concerns and supporting your overall well-being. Located in Spokane, WA, our clinic focuses on delivering thorough evaluations to ensure your smile stays bright and healthy.

During your initial visit, Dr. Ashley will carefully assess your entire oral health, review your medical and dental history, and address any specific concerns you may have. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, so we provide personalized care to every individual.

Ongoing dental exams during hygiene visits are vital. They allow us to monitor your teeth, gums, and jaw for any emerging issues. By catching concerns early, we can maintain your long-term wellness and prevent more serious problems down the line.

Each examination includes:

• Gum disease screening: Check for signs of inflammation or infection that could lead to more severe health issues.
• Oral cancer screening: Ensure your mouth and throat are free from cancerous signs through careful evaluation.
• Evaluation for sleep issues: Address any potential problems related to sleep apnea, jaw discomfort, or chronic headaches.
• Assessment of teeth: We check for cavities, sensitivity, and overall stability to ensure your teeth remain healthy.
• Digital imaging: Utilize advanced technology to examine your teeth, bone structure, sinuses, and jaw joints when necessary.

If you’re looking for expert dental care in Spokane, WA, schedule your comprehensive dental exam today! Your health is our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

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

Occlusal sealants play a vital role in safeguarding the chewing surfaces of children’s permanent molars as they erupt, significantly reducing the risk of early cavities. The deep grooves and fissures found on these teeth create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, making them particularly vulnerable to decay. Regular brushing can sometimes miss these hard-to-reach areas, which is why sealants are an effective preventive measure.

At our Spokane clinic, Dr. Ashley and our dedicated dental team prioritize your child’s dental health by providing high-quality occlusal sealant applications. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Assessment: Dr. Ashley begins by evaluating your child’s molars to ensure they are cavity-free and suitable for sealant application. She will discuss the benefits and importance of sealants with you, helping you make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.
2. Cleaning and Preparing the Tooth: Before applying the sealant, we thoroughly clean the tooth to remove any plaque or debris that could interfere with the sealant’s adhesion. This step is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity of the sealant.
3. Application of the Sealant: Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Ashley carefully applies the protective sealant material into the grooves of the molar. This creates a smooth, protective barrier that prevents bacteria from settling in the deep grooves.
4. Curing: After application, the sealant is cured (hardened) using a special light, ensuring that it bonds securely to the tooth.
5. Long-lasting Protection: Occlusal sealants typically last about two years, although they may last longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. During routine check-ups, Dr. Ashley will monitor the condition of the sealants and recommend reapplication if necessary.

By choosing occlusal sealants for your child, you are investing in their long-term dental health. Not only do sealants provide a protective barrier against cavities, but they also promote positive dental habits by reducing the likelihood of dental issues later in life.

If you’re in Spokane and want to protect your child’s teeth with occlusal sealants, contact us today! Dr. Ashley and our dental team are here to ensure your child’s smile remains healthy and cavity-free. Let’s work together to provide the best dental care for your child!

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.