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Prophylaxis (dental cleaning):

Prophylaxis or prophy for short is what most people refer to as getting their "teeth cleaned". A prophy is the removal of plaque, tartar, and stain from the teeth at or above the gumline. This is done by scaling and polishing. This treatment is generally performed on children, teenagers, and adults with healthy gum tissue and no signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. It is an important preventive treatment for control of bacteria that can have negative effects on your oral and overall health. A general guideline for the frequency of a prophy is at least every 6 months. Our hygienist will recommend an appropriate interval for you based on your individual treatment needs.

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Fluoride Treatments:

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's soil. Its dental benefits were discovered in naturally fluoridated water in Colorado in the 1920's. Our office offers a fluoride varnish treatment to all of our patients. Fluoride varnish is a topical application that is painted onto the teeth.

Benefits of fluoride: Children get the best benefit of fluoride while their teeth are developing. Fluoride helps to mineralize the enamel, resulting in stronger teeth that are more resistant to decay.

Adults also get benefits from fluoride. Fluoride is effective in remineralizing (strengthening) areas of enamel that have been demineralized (weakened) by acids found in the bacteria of plaque and tartar. Adults that suffer from hot/cold sensitivity as a result of receeding gums can get relief with fluoride treatments. Fluoride can also help to prevent decay on exposed root surfaces.

Although many people do have fluoridated water they will still benefit greatly from the topical application of fluoride.

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Dental Sealants:

A sealant is a resin-based material (plastic like film) applied to the chewing surface of a tooth to seal pits and grooves where food and bacteria can be trapped. Sealants are used to reduce the occurance of dental caries in children and adults.

Some indications for sealants are:

Periodontal Maintenance
(periodontal dental cleaning):

Periodontal maintenance is a supportive phase of care that is initiated after a patient completes periodontal therapy. This type of treatment is similar to the prophylaxis, however plaque and tartar will be removed from underneath the gum tissue as well as from above the gum tissue. Patients typically have this done every 3 or 4 months depending on their individual needs. This treatment is indicated for persons with periodontal disease.

Periodontal Therapy: Should it be determined that you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, periodontal therapy may be treatment planned for you. Periodontal therapy is a form of "dental cleaning". It is called scaling and root planing (SRP) and consists of the removal of tartar, plaque and bacteria from underneath the gum tissue. Depending on your individual condition, you may choose to be numb for this treatment. Dr. Butterfield and our hygienist will discuss this with you and answer all of your questions should you require periodontal therapy.

Nearly 75 percent of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal disease and don't know it.

Warning signs that you may have periodontal disease:

Persons at a higher risk for periodontal disease are:

Periodontal disease can have negative effects on your overall health. Many links between periodontal disease and complications with the following conditions have been proven: