Dental exams should be performed every 6-12 months and include the following:
 

• Oral cancer screening questions and examination of your face, neck, lips, mouth, throat and gums for signs of oral cancer 
• Evaluating your gums for signs of periodontal disease
• Examination of your teeth for decay, and your existing fillings and restorations for defects
• Review of dental radiographs (x-rays) for decay, bone levels, and root and bone abnormalities

Professional Dental Cleanings are performed by Registered Dental Hygienists and include:
 

• Dental polishing removes plaque, stains and leaves the teeth as smooth as possible to prevent the further attachment of plaque and calculus.
• Removal of dental calculus (tarter) which is calcified plaque which is firmly attached to the tooth both above and below the gumline.  Dental calculus is directly responsible for the progression of gum disease, so the regular removal of calculus is important in preventing periodontal disease.
• Removal of soft dental plaque which is a white sticky substance that attaches to the tooth surface daily and is made up of food debris, saliva, and bacteria.  Dental plaque causes both gingivitis and tooth decay.
• Dental polishing removes plaque, stains and leaves the teeth as smooth as possible to prevent the further attachment of plaque and calculus

Sealants, also called fissure sealants are most often applied to newly erupted teeth in children.   The quick and easy procedure involves placing a protective coating in the grooves of molars and premolars to prevent decay.  Sealants can last many years and are checked at each examination to ensure they are still functioning to protect the teeth.

A sportsguard is a device worn over your teeth that protects them from trauma to the face and head. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. They typically fit over the upper front teeth to prevent damage to the teeth and lips during accidental trauma in many different sports including hockey, football, baseball, basketball, mountain biking, gymnastics and skateboarding. The cost of a laminated pressure-formed custom mouthguard made in a dental office is minimal compared to the potential cost of damage to one or more teeth during a sports related injury especially in a child or teenager when the teeth and jaws are still growing.