Dental Cleanings and Exams
During your child’s first appointment, we will perform a thorough cleaning and examination that will help us determine proper diagnosis, caries risk level and treatment options. We place high importance on prevention of dental disease—some of the preventative services we provide include: dental prophylaxis (cleanings), fluoride treatments, digital radiographs (x-rays), sealants, mouth guards, oral hygiene instructions, dietary counseling, and anticipatory guidance counseling on growth and development concerns (i.e., teething, thumb or pacifier habits, injury prevention). We believe that healthy smiles should not stop at our office, so we will educate you and your child on how to make good food choices and how to properly brush and floss at home.
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. By applying dental sealants, you can significantly decrease the chances of your child getting cavities.
Fluoride treatments are effective in the prevention of tooth decay and cavities because they help to strengthen the teeth. Generally after your child’s cleaning, Dr. Corns will recommend whether fluoride treatment is right for him/her.