“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” ~ Miguel de Cervantes

General Dentistry

procedure

General Dentistry is your first line of defense against tooth decay and other oral maladies, providing primary care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of your teeth, gums and jaw.

Dental Exams:

Regular dental check-ups are essential. Especially if you're not a fan of more invasive dental procedures. Our patients regularly comment on Dr. Orlans' welcoming and fun attitude. In a judgement-free environment, Dr. Orlans provides education and honest guidance and feedback.

Cleanings:

Brushing and flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth.  Regular cleanings have additional benefits including the removal of most stains and preventing gum disease which can avert  losing your teeth in the future. 

X-Rays:

As a diagnositic tool, an x-ray goes much further than assessing cavities and cracks. Regularly scheduled x-rays can identify issues before they become serious. In addition to the examining of teeth and their roots, x-rays can identify cysts, abcesses and other masses, impacted teeth, and bone loss or deterioration. 

Dental Sealants:

Dental Sealants are thin coatings designed to coat the surface of your molars. These sealants protect the chewing surface from cavities by locking out germs and food, protecting against 80% of cavities for 2 years, and about 50% of cavities for another 2 years and can be applied to both children and adults. These are a great insurance against future tooth problems, especially if you may have a genetic proclivity for cavities. 

Flouride Treatments:

Dental decay is caused by lactic acid-producing bacteria, commonly known as plaque. Flouride is a mineral that helps to harden the enamel and counteract the effects off the bacteria on your teeth. Both the American Dental Association and the World Health Association approve the use of flouride in the water supply as a means to improve tooth health. However, many households have well water, or lose the effectiveness of flouride in their water due to various water treatments. Direct application ensures improved defense against decay. 

Periodantal Scaling & Root Planing:

Gum disease can occur because irritated gums can cause swelling resulting in pockets around the teeth. As bacteria falls into these pockets, they becign to attack the periodontal ligaments and jawbone which can ultimately result in tooth loss. If it is determined that you have these pockets of bacteria in your gums, scaling and root planing allows for a deep clean of your gumline. 

Local anesthetic is administered and specialized tools are used to remove buildup of plaque, tarter, bacteria and other debris that may have accumulated. The procedure is minimally invasive, but may need to be followed up with more extensive treatments. Performed early enough, this treatment can cure gum disease. 

Mouth Guards:

Occlusal guards are removable mouth guards that prevent the wear and tear that may result from grinding your teeth at night. It's essential that these guards are expertly crafted to the wearer's mouth to preserve the integrity of their bite. They should cover all teeth on one arch, stay securely in place without discomfort, and be usable in sports and physical activity in a manner that it will reduce transmitted forces from any impact. A number of health conditions may suggest that a mouth guard is right for you.