Proactive Dentistry
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Dental Check-ups in Wilmington
Dr. Rautio and her team promote a proactive approach to all our patients who visit our office. Each bi-annual check-up and cleaning typically includes an evaluation of your current oral health and an evaluation on what parts of your hygiene that need
treatment. . With simple changes like adding a fluoride rinse or changing your toothbrush more often, your smile and overall well-being can improve.
What is Proper Oral Hygiene?
Everyone’s dental requirements are different, therefore there is not one resounding oral care plan that translates to every smile. Often the only true way to know what the needs of your teeth are is to speak with Dr. Erin to determine what supplemental
techniques can be implemented into your daily dental hygiene plan. This includes adopting a diet low in sugar, which is harmful to our enamel and soft-tissues. After learning what dental tips benefit you, they must be carried out as recommended for
maximum effectiveness.
Benefits for Children
Our youngest patients are still losing their first set of teeth and they stand to gain more through general education that is carried over towards maintaining their adult teeth. Dr. Rautio reviews proactive oral care tips with both children and their
parents so that each child has a support system to promote optimal oral health.
Learning how to care for your teeth not only helps your own oral health, but it also encourages better dental hygiene for your whole family. Dr. Rautio sees many members of the same family and knows the importance of a group effort.
Treating Issues Early
Preemptively restoring damaged teeth with a crown or performing an extraction is an example of our tested method of addressing issues before they can affect other oral structures. Our bi-annual checkups help Dr. Erin spot and repair problems while they
are still relatively small. We also train our patients on how to identify complications and what to do during a dental emergency. As a result, patients are less likely to develop serious issues and are more aware of how to react during emergencies until
they see our specialist.
Schedule Your Visit with Dr. Rautio Today!
Taking the time to learn how to care for our teeth ultimately leads to lower costs, less-invasive treatments, and better health overall. Call now to set up your appointment and find out if you are doing everything possible to maintain healthy teeth and
gums.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.