Preventative Care
Most dental problems can be prevented if caught early. That’s why we love to see you every six months – regular cleanings and exams keep your teeth and gums looking, feeling and functioning their best.
There’s a lot more going on in your mouth than what is visible to the naked eye. Routine visits allow for a comprehensive picture of your overall oral health – not just your teeth and gums, but roots and occlusion too.
It’s true – even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and stains build up on tooth surfaces over time, which leads to harder deposits that are difficult for a normal toothbrush and floss to remove. This is where your team at Five Pines Dental steps in: we use gentle ultrasonic technology to remove hard plaque with less scraping. Regular cleanings at Five Pines can prevent gingivitis, tooth decay and loss of enamel.
Along with your cleaning, Dr. Zeller will perform a thorough examination – this isn’t just looking for cavities but assessing the overall health of your mouth. Exams always include screenings for early signs of gum disease and oral cancer. Dr. Zeller will review x-rays taken at the appointment and we always schedule time for patients to ask any questions they might have about their oral health.
X-rays are a powerful diagnostic tool that allows dentists to see the condition of your roots, nerves and bone, check for cysts or impacted teeth and catch decay before significant damage is done. The digital x-rays we use at Five Pines not only reduce radiation exposure but since they are viewed on a computer instead of film, we’re able to zoom in, increase or decrease contrast and see your pearly whites in high definition.