People of all ages are vulnerable to the most common oral health problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. That means every member of your family should visit a trusted dentist for routine checkups and cleanings every six months. When you stay on top of your loved ones’ preventive care, you are all more likely to enjoy healthy, long-lasting smiles. Dr. Carini and Dr. Farr are the family dentists Greenfield trusts for personalized dental care -- and we can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones into our office.
When you attend a checkup and cleaning at Advanced Dental Treatment Center, we will begin by taking X-rays. All new patients receive X-rays, and after that, they should be taken at least annually. X-rays are a crucial part of preventive dentistry, as they allow your dentist to see what is going on beneath the visible surface of your teeth.
During the cleaning, your hygienist will thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup, or the biofilm that covers your teeth. We will also look out for any areas where you may not be brushing or flossing as well as you should and provide tips to help you clean better at home.
After a final polish, the cleaning is complete and one of our dentists will come in to visually examine your smile and look at the X-rays we have taken. If he spots an issue like tooth decay, malfunctioning dental work, or any other area for concern, we will put together a plan to help you get the follow-up care you need as soon as possible.
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During the dental checkup and cleaning, we will also check for evidence of the deep periodontal pockets that indicate gum disease. These spaces of infection develop when the bacteria that live in the mouth get the chance to make a home in the area between your teeth and gums. Bacteria multiplies and eats away at the healthy gum tissue, eventually causing tooth loss and a host of other serious problems.
Gum disease treatment varies based on the level of infection present when we detect it. Initially, the infection can be reversed with a couple extra cleanings at our office and better oral hygiene at home. We will provide patient education to help you brush and floss better at home. Adding an antimicrobial mouth rinse may be a good idea for extra defense against bacteria.
Once the periodontal pockets reach a certain depth, we may recommend scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this treatment is used to remove bacteria above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to prevent reinfection.
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Children and cavity-prone adults can benefit from dental sealants. They are thin coverings that we paint directly onto the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars, where it is easy for food particles and bacteria to get trapped and accelerate the rate of decay. Dental sealants are painlessly applied at the end of a routine checkup and cleaning and can provide years of protection against cavities.
Oral cancer is on the rise in the United States and around the world. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection. During an oral cancer screening, your Greenfield dentist will look for abnormalities that may indicate cancer, like lumps, bumps, areas of discoloration, and asymmetries in the soft tissues. If we do detect something suspicious, we will walk you through the next steps to ensure you receive the prompt follow-up treatment you need.
