What to expect on your first dental visit at Southview Dentistry
When you visit Southview Dentistry, your first visit may consist of any necessary x rays, exam, cancer screening, periodontal exam, occlusal exam and cleaning. We feel that it is very important to be thorough so that no dental or health concern is missed. Below are some common questions about preventative oral care. Click the question to reveal the answer.
At Southview Dentistry we use Digital Dental x-rays. X-rays are important. They can expose hidden dental decay, reveal a dental abscess, cyst or tumor; show impacted or extra teeth; and also help determine the condition of current dental work including crowns, fillings and root canals. Dental X-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal disease, locate tartar buildup, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants. These are just some of the many reasons why we rely on dental X-rays.
It is very important to have your teeth cleaned twice a year. This not only gets your mouth feeling clean and healthy, it allows the doctor to check your teeth to make sure there are no problems starting. Cleanings also help prevent periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth.
In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Cleanings or periodontal therapy is also very important for pregnant women. This will help prevent pregnancy gingivitis which appears as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis, can lead to pre-term and low birth weight babies.
