Finding a new dentist can be a complicated process. After researching dentists near you, making sure that they accept your insurance, getting estimates for your exam, and reading all their reviews, we often forget about the entire point of that initial appointment. Your first appointment helps to establish you as a patient for that office and gets you familiar with a new staff and their general procedures. Your new dentist will likely want to complete an initial screening, review your medical history, and conduct an exam, which generally includes cleaning and x-rays.
Dental professionals commonly treat periodontal disease with a mechanical procedure known as scaling and root planing (SRP). Scaling removes plaque, tartar and stains from the surface of the teeth. Planing smoothes the rough areas on the roots of teeth to promote healing.
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
A variety of people use dental mouthguards for many different reasons. Whether you are an athlete involved in impact sports or wake up in the morning with an aching jaw, there are options out there that may be right for you.