Family and general dentistry in Pearisburg

What a check-up here involves

A hygienist cleans the teeth, above and below the gum line, and measures the gum pockets so we can see whether they are deeper than last time. The dentist then examines every tooth, checks the existing fillings and crowns, looks at the bite, and screens the lips, tongue, cheeks, neck and throat for anything that should not be there.

X-rays are taken when there is a reason to take one, not as a matter of routine on every visit. Digital sensors need a fraction of the exposure film did, and the image is on the screen beside you rather than held up to a light box.

At the end we explain what we found in plain words, what needs doing now, what could reasonably be watched, and what each option costs before anything is scheduled.

Gum disease

Gum disease is the most common reason adults lose teeth, and it is nearly painless until it is advanced, which is why it is measured at every visit rather than waited for. Early on, a more thorough cleaning and better technique at home reverses it. Further along, it needs scaling and root planing under anesthetic, sometimes with ARESTIN, an antibiotic placed directly into the pocket, and a maintenance cleaning every three or four months instead of six.

Children

We see children here, and we would rather see them early, for a ride in the chair and a count of the teeth, than first meet them when something hurts. Sealants on the back teeth and fluoride are among the least expensive things in dentistry and prevent a great deal of drilling later.

Oral cancer screening

Every examination includes a screening. It takes about a minute and it is looking for the kind of thing that is very treatable when found early and much less so when found late. Anything in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks is worth showing us, whether or not you are due a visit.