Dental Exams and Cleanings in Chagrin Falls, OH
When was the last time you were seen for a dental examination and professional cleaning? If it was in the last six months, congratulations! If it was longer than that, it’s time to schedule a preventive care appointment with Dr. Brian Hivick at Chagrin Family Dental.
Preventive care is the basis of our practice. While we offer a wide range of services and treatments, we’d prefer to stop dental problems from happening in the first place, and regular appointments and cleanings are the best way to do that. We also offer preventive treatments like sealants to protect teeth that may be prone to cavities.
Routine Examinations
One of the most important things a patient can do to improve their oral health and avoid painful and costly dental problems is to come in every six months for a routine cleaning and examination.
During your examination, Dr. Hivick will not only check your teeth for any signs of cavities or decay, but will also perform a thorough review of all the hard and soft tissues in your mouth, including examining your soft tissues for any signs of oral cancer.
This examination also gives us the chance to look for the signs of periodontal disease. Although most people consider periodontal disease to be a condition affecting the gums, the truth is that periodontal disease also affects the supporting bone around the teeth, causing it to deteriorate and eventually leading to loose and even lost teeth.
The majority of the adult population suffers from some level of periodontal disease, which can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Early detection and intervention can help patients keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
Making regular six-month check-ups a priority allows us the opportunity to catch any potential issues when they are small so that they can be resolved before they escalate into larger, more costly issues.
Professional Cleanings in the 44022 Area
Brushing your teeth twice daily will help remove plaque and keep your breath fresh. But even the most dedicated brusher still needs to have regular professional cleanings.
This is because your teeth are naturally full of nooks and crannies where plaque can hide. If this plaque is continuously missed – which is easy to do – it will eventually harden into tartar, which can only be removed with professional tools. Once you begin developing tartar buildup on your teeth, cavities are right around the corner.
At our Chagrin Falls dental office, we have assembled a team full of skilled and talented dental professionals – including our gentle and precise dental hygienist. Our hygienist will carefully examine your teeth and thoroughly clear away any traces of plaque and tartar to give you a fresh start and help prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a cost-effective way to prevent dental decay. Many people have deep grooves in their teeth that never fully closed. These grooves allow bacteria to seep in and cause cavities in even the most diligent brushers.
Sealants cover these deep grooves and prevent cavities from forming on the chewing surface of your teeth. Sealants are non-invasive and easy to apply – no anesthesia necessary!
Is it time for your next check-up and cleaning? Call Chagrin Family Dental today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many conditions that once required antibiotic prophylaxis no longer require such medication. We will review with you the latest recommendations from the American Heart Association as well as the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons to determine whether or not you still need to pre-medicate. We will also consult with your medical doctor to help clarify this.
Check-ups are vitally important to your overall health. Bacteria building up deep in the gums where a toothbrush and floss can't reach could have severe consequences on oral and overall health. Which is why it is imperative to maintain your dental cleanings.
What We Recommend
We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association and other organizations that say you should have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. Depending on your unique needs and your current level of dental health, it may be appropriate for you to come to our office more often, and if this is true in your case, we will discuss this with you.
Make Sure You & Your Family See Your Chagrin Falls Dentist
Our team greatly cares for every patient's oral health. If you haven't seen a dentist in six months call us today and schedule your appointment!
First of all, great job! It is so important to your overall health to brush twice a day and floss as often as possible.
Wy We Tend To Get Cavities
However, even though you're doing such good work taking care of your teeth, it is still important for you to get regular care from a dentist and cleanings from a dental hygienist. This is because your teeth are full of ridges and other tiny formations that make it easy for plaque to get trapped.
The Dangers Of Plaque
When plaque develops in these areas or beneath your gumline, it's easy to miss these spots, and over time, that plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with professional tools. Once tartar has developed, the stage is set for cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Contact our Chagrin Falls Dentist
Schedule your appointment with us today to make sure plaque doesn't develop into a cavity that needs a filling or crown.
When it comes to preventive dental care, your Chagrin Falls dentist Dr. Brian Hivick has several recommendations:
Maintain Your Dental Cleanings
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. For most people twice each year is adequate and gives Dr. Hivick the opportunity to detect problems in their earliest stages. When we discover dental issues early, they are generally less invasive—and less expensive—to treat. Other people might benefit from more frequent visits to the dentist, depending on their current oral health.
At Home Care For Your Teeth
Brush and floss diligently. With the different types of toothbrushes, toothpastes, and flosses on the market today, it’s easy to find the dental tools that you prefer. Whether you prefer to go high-tech with an electronic toothbrush or if you would rather stick to an old-school toothbrush, it’s crucial that you use it regularly. Brush at least twice each day to help keep plaque from forming on teeth. Flossing is just as important because your toothbrush cannot reach all the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid candy and sweets as well as sugary beverages, all of which can contribute to the formation of cavities. If you do indulge, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth about a half-hour later.
Schedule a Dental Appointment in Chagrin Falls
If it’s time for a preventive visit to the dentist, give us a call!
Meet Our Doctor:
Brian M. Hivick DDS
Dr. Brian Hivick graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after studying Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toledo for his undergraduate education. He then continued his studies at Summa Health System’s Akron City Hospital, where he completed a rigorous general practice residency program – including training in implant placement and restoration, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics. Upon completion of the program, he received top honors as an Outstanding Resident in periodontal therapy and endodontics.
Dental Education & Associations
Most recently, Dr. Hivick serves as a Resident Clinical Instructor ...
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