Exams and Cleanings

At D. Scott Eaton DDS, we recommend dental checkups twice a year for patients with good oral health. This suggestion is in line with the American Dental Association’s recommendation. Your checkup will give us an opportunity to update your dental records and assess your oral health. Early treatment is always in your best interest.

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Our highly trained registered dental hygienists Liz and Jessica will reduce your potential for tooth decay and gum disease. They use ultrasonic cleaning and hand scaling to more effectively and gently clean your teeth. If your gums are red, tender, or swollen, or if they bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have gum disease.  There is a direct connection between heart disease and poor oral hygiene.  Periodontal bacteria travel from the oral cavity into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. The presence of dangerous oral bacteria is a root cause that drives systemic inflammation and damages the blood vessel lining: the first step toward heart attack and stroke.

 

We routinely use Laser Therapy which is commonly referred to as Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT).  The diode laser can specifically target unhealthy gum tissues that constitute gum disease. The technology was developed and perfected to be patient-friendly, and successful. Because gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to more serious diseases, The diode laser’s very effective bactericidal action on periodontal pathogens make laser treatment most valuable in treating the patient. The laser is a safe and effective treatment.

 

To keep teeth and gums healthy, you need a dental cleaning, or continuing care visit. Most often this is every 3, 4 or 6 months depending on what interval works best for you. At this appointment, your dental hygienist will assess your soft tissues, record the findings, and compare them with your last visit. We will also take any necessary x-rays, do an oral cancer screening, and examine your teeth.  Then the hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and polish your teeth. Dr. D. Scott Eaton DDS will also examine the hard and soft tissue of your teeth and gums.