General Dental Care

Preventive and Diagnostic General Dental Care

Sealants

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and should be applied as soon as the child’s permanent teeth the molars come in. Though typically placed on children’s teeth, adult molars can also be sealed, provided a tooth does not show evidence of decay. The sealants that we have placed have been highly successful in preventing decay.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride applications help to strengthen the enamel on your child’s teeth, making it more difficult for cavities to begin. Children should be receiving fluoride treatments every six months.

Regular Hygiene Visit (Prophylaxis)

These important appointments allow Dr. Vetter and her hygienist to monitor your oral health and clean under your gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. They also help promote healthy gums and teeth by removing the plaque that causes decay and gum infection, and educating you about prevention.

Tooth Desensitization

Fluoride is also helpful to adults to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces (receding gums). Regular fluoride application helps eliminate root sensitivity. Our patients have found it helpful to have a series of fluoride treatments to reduce their sensitivity, followed by at-home applications.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once your mouth is restored to health, it is important that you make a commitment to maintain your dental health. To achieve this, it is important that you return on a regular basis for a routine examination, scaling, and root planing. Dr. Vetter and her hygienist will inform you of the re-care interval that best fits your needs.

Localized Antibiotic therapy

This procedure can be used when a single isolated area or a few areas show an increase in periodontal infection activity. The antibiotic is delivered by the doctor or the hygienist directly into the infected site. This is used to control the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, and to promote healing of the gum tissue.

Nightguard Therapy

Nightguards are used as a treatment option to prevent damage to the chewing surfaces of the teeth associated with grinding and clenching. It is a conservative treatment that is very successful and highly recommended for patients with TMJ dysfunction. By creating an acrylic pattern of your teeth, Dr. Vetter can help you protect your teeth from unnecessary wear.