Preventing problems before they start The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body. While routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting Erskine Family Dentistry for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains beautiful. By routinely seeing us for exams and cleanings, you can: • Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath • Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures • Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks • Shorten the time spent in our office • Have a smile that will last a lifetime The exam During your exam, Dr. Cocquyt or Dr. Risser will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other health problems. The dentist will also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Our X-rays, which are digital, will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye. Professional cleanings Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine whether you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. Next, the hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental cleaning, be sure to let us know. We can apply a numbing gel to your gums to ensure your comfort. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits and may recommend more frequent cleanings. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, we will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
"I have had a LOT of dentists in my life (I've moved a zillion times) but the folks at Erskine Family are THE BEST I've EVER had by far. I just had two fillings redone in spots that have previously been very painful and problematic for other dentists to deal with. At Erskine, it could not have been a better experience, and the resin fillings look beautiful. They are so skilled, nice, helpful, and organized. Thank you all,"
