A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Greco at your initial dental visit and after that annually. It includes the following:

Examination of digital X-rays: Essential for detecting dental decay, tumors, cysts, and bone levels. X-rays also help evaluate tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Examination of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, oral tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation: Evaluate the gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for dental decay with special dental instruments, including laser and Itero technologies.

Examination of existing restoration: All fillings, onlays, crowns, bridges and implants will be closely evaluated.

TMJ (Jaw Joints Examination): Evaluation of the condition and function of the jaw joints and muscles

Our Registered Dental Hygienists perform professional dental cleaning (dental prophylaxis). Your cleaning appointment will include a complete dental exam and the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is a hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth and root surfaces. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. These bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is called gingivitis and is the beginning of Periodontal Disease (infection of the gums and bone surrounding your teeth).

Tooth polishing: Removal of stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during daily toothbrushing or professional scaling.

In our office, we use digital dental X-rays. Digital X-rays reduce radiation by 80 to 90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional X-rays. Images can be instantly viewed and enlarged, helping Dr. Greco and the hygienist detect problems more efficiently.

Digital X-rays are preventive and diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental examination. Dr. Greco uses this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and dental decay.

DENTAL X-RAYS MAY REVEAL:
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Abscesses or cysts
Bone loss
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Decay between teeth
Dental abnormalities
Poor tooth and root positions
Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Detecting and treating dental problems early may save time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?

We are all exposed daily to natural radiation in our environment. Digital X-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental X-rays. Not only are digital X-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, but they are also faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office.

Additionally, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the X-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into our environment. Even though digital X-rays produce a low radiation level and are considered very safe, Dr. Greco will still take the necessary precautions to limit the patient's exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those X-rays necessary and using lead apron shields to protect the body.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD DENTAL X-RAYS BE TAKEN?

‍The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient's dental condition. Dr. Greco and your hygienist will recommend necessary digital X-rays based on reviewing the patient’s medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age, and the risk of disease.

A full mouth series of digital X-rays is recommended for new patients and usually remains current for three to five years. Checkup X-rays are recommended once a year to detect potential further dental decay between teeth and changes to bone levels surrounding your teeth.

Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a naturally occurring mineral present in varying amounts in several foods and our water supply. The fluoride benefits have been well known for over 70 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

Fluoride works in two ways:

Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the tooth enamel's outer surfaces, making the tooth more resistant to dental decay. Topical fluoride is obtained by using fluoride containing tooth products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dr. Greco and his dental hygienists generally recommend that children have a professional application of fluoride twice a year during dental checkups.

Systemic fluoride found in our foods and water supplies strengthens the teeth that have erupted and those that are developing under the gums. It is also available as a supplement in a drop or gel form. Generally, fluoride drops are recommended for infants, and tablets are best suited for children up through the teenage years. It is essential to monitor the amount of fluoride a child ingests. If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.

Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to prevent decay.  Dr. Greco and his dental hygienists may recommend the use of home or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides
- Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments, or medications
- Recent history of dental decay

Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent dental decay. It is vital to brush twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and periodically visit Dr. Greco.

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal. Your home care plays an essential role in achieving this goal. Your home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of sugary snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids available to help control the plaque bacteria that cause dental disease.

Toothbrushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night, with an ADA approved soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste.

An electronic toothbrush may also be recommended; they are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Dr. Greco or his hygienist will recommend a proper electric toothbrush if they feel it would be beneficial. Ideal toothbrushing techniques will be reviewed and reinforced regularly.

Flossing: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between teeth and under the gum-line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but; it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, thus preventing future damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Floss holders or electric floss aids may be recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss. Ideal flossing techniques will be reviewed and reinforced regularly.

Rinsing: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you cannot brush. Certain over the counter or prescription rinses may help maintain your dental health and may also be recommended.

The use of other dental aids such as interdental brushes and cleaners, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, and medicated rinses may also be suggested to help you maintain dental health.

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to back teeth' chewing surfaces into the deep grooves (called pits and fissures).

More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and very susceptible to dental decay.

Sealants protect the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years but need to be checked for wear and chipping regularly.

Reasons for Sealants

Children and teenagers: The appearance of the permanent First Molar or anytime throughout the cavity prone years of ages 6 to 16

Adults: Tooth surfaces without dental decay that have deep grooves and depressions

Baby teeth: Occasionally done if deep grooves or depressions are present and the child is cavity prone