General Dentistry

Regular dental visits not only ensure optimal oral health but they can help identify potential problems too. As with conditions in other areas of your body, early detection of oral health issues often means they are easier and less expensive to treat. Medford Dental Clinic offers comprehensive dental exams and professional dental cleanings with our team of skilled hygienists.

Dental Exams + Cleanings

During your exam, we will evaluate your overall oral health and work together to create a dental treatment plan that’s tailored to you. We will:

Review your medical history.
Discuss your oral health goals and any questions or concerns you may have.
Perform an oral exam, including checking your gums and screening for oral cancer.
Take X-Rays (if needed), so we can see your teeth below the gum line.
Clean and polish your teeth, removing any plaque buildup on your teeth and along the gumline.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is commonly used to prevent cavities in children and adults. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay and cavities, by strengthening the surface of your teeth. Fluoride can be especially helpful for children because their primary teeth (baby teeth) are not as strong as an adult’s permanent teeth. Plus, as a child’s permanent teeth come in, additional bacteria and acids can be encountered, that can increase the likelihood of cavities. Fluoride can help rebuild any damage caused by the increase in bacteria and acid during this time. For these reasons, your dentist and/or hygienist may recommend getting a special fluoride treatment during your visit. The fluoride is applied to the surface of the teeth, creating a topical barrier that strengthens the tooth’s enamel.

Dental Fillings

If a cavity is found during your dental exam, you’ll likely need a dental filling. Cavities, or tooth decay, can develop on the hard surfaces of your teeth and form tiny openings or holes. Cavities can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth thoroughly or often enough. If left untreated, cavities will grow and can affect deeper layers of your teeth. Dental fillings are used to restore the damaged portion of the tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the damaged area, clean it, and fill it with a composite or amalgam material to restore the tooth’s normal shape.

More Information on Cavities

Dental Extractions

Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth removed, which is called an extraction. Extractions are typically performed when a tooth has become irreversibly damaged, either because of disease or trauma. Sometimes teeth are removed to fix spacing issues in your mouth, which is referred to as crowding.

If an extraction is needed, the area will be numbed first, to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Afterwards, your mouth will begin filling in where the tooth’s root was as you heal.

Before and After an Extraction

Root Canals

When a tooth is severely damaged or an abscess (a serious tooth infection) has developed, a root canal may be recommended. Abscesses can form from:

A deep cavity.
A broken or cracked tooth.
A tooth injury (even if there isn’t visible damage).
Repeated dental procedures that disturb the pulp (the tissue located inside the tooth).

When a tooth becomes infected, pain and swelling inside and around the tooth are common. A root canal may take 1-2 visits to complete and is used to treat the infection and repair the tooth. The goal of a root canal is to prevent having to remove the tooth. Additionally, the area is numbed before the procedure for your comfort. After it’s finished, you may have some lingering sensitivity but the pain should be greatly improved. This should continue to improve over time. You will also have to remember to have a permanent filling or crown placed after the root canal to protect the tooth. This may include a post to help hold the filling in place so talk to your dentist about what your tooth will need after the root canal.

Scaling and Root Planning

Scaling and root planning may be used to treat more moderate to advanced stages of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Gum disease happens when a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, builds up on your teeth and along your gumline. Plaque is always forming, which is why it’s so important to clean your teeth thoroughly. If this is not cleaned off well, the bacteria in plaque can lead to gum inflammation. When your gums are inflamed, they start to pull away from your teeth and form spaces called pockets where more plaque can become trapped.

If caught early, you can prevent damage to your teeth and other structures below your gum line. Early stages of gum disease (often referred to as gingivitis) can be managed with regular, professional dental cleanings and routine oral hygiene care. However, if the pockets are too deep, that’s when scaling and root planning may be needed. Essentially, scaling and root planning is a two-part deep cleaning. During the scaling portion, your dentist or dental hygienist carefully removes the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below your gumline. Once the pocket has been cleaned, your dentist or dental hygienist will move on to the root planning phase. This involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth to help reattach your gums. As this is a more in-depth cleaning, it may take more than one visit to complete.

Regardless of what stage of gum disease is identified, it’s important to begin treating it to prevent bone and tooth loss.