General Dentistry
Helping our patients maintain a healthy mouth and smile is the main goal of general dentistry. We prefer to provide more minor, preventive care than to see patients suffer with more intensive treatments from a problem that was not managed in time. We want to ensure that your oral health is in its optimal state and positively contributing to the health of your entire body. We are here to brighten your smile and pave the way for a brighter life.
Cleanings and Prevention – Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
Patients who maintain 6-month cleaning visits overall have less decay, gum disease, and oral discomfort resulting in less pain and dollars spent on restoring teeth. It is highly recommended by the American Dental Association that patients have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice per calendar year.
Our hygienist thoroughly cleans the teeth by scaling, and polishing to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. The patients at home dental routine brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular cleanings and check-ups is the key to prevention. The hygienist at Portside Dental has a wealth of knowledge and loves sharing the newest information with her patients to help them understand the importance of good dental hygiene. Remember…you only have to floss the teeth you want to keep!
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Oral Cancer Screenings
According to the American Dental Association, over 10,000 lives are claimed to oral cancers each year. Oral cancer can include cancers of the throat, mouth, tongue and jaw. Early detection may result in better treatment outcomes and may help save your life or of a loved one.
It is important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and to see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks:
- A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
- Red or white patches
- Pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Teeth Whitening
Whitening is a simple cost effective option to brighten your smile. Here at PortSide Dental, we can easily evaluate the shade of your teeth and see if an over the counter system or an in office professional treatment would work best for you.
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Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in some foods and water. With most patients, they are not getting enough fluoride in their diet and this leads to demineralization of tooth enamel which causes weak structure and decay. It is especially important for patients who are decay prone to not only receive fluoride treatments in our office, but also use products at home that contain higher levels of the mineral.
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Periodontal Charting
Periodontal charting is a dental procedure that measures the space between teeth and gums to help detect and treat gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Charting is important because it can help identify patients with gum disease and provide insights into the overall health of their teeth, gums, and jaws. Gum disease can be painless and go unnoticed, but it can lead to serious issues like bone loss, tooth loosening, and tooth loss if left untreated. Other signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sores in mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in how teeth fit together when biting
According to the Centers for Disease Control, this condition affects almost half of adults older than 30.