Our Promise to You
Our office is confident that together we can help you achieve a healthy smile. We believe the best dental care starts at home. We educate our patients with proper hygiene instruction and dental aides to improve homecare effectiveness. By maintaining a good home care regimen of brushing and flossing coupled with a professional cleaning and dental examination at least once every six months you can achieve your healthy smile. Depending on your oral health, the dentist along with the hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
In keeping with our commitment to providing exceptional quality of care, Cotswold Family Dentistry uses conservative judgement before ordering any x-rays and only do so in the best interest of each individual patient. Dental x-rays provide vital information to assist in keeping you healthy.
Many patients are concerned about being exposed to radiation. It may surprise you to know that we are exposed to more radiation being outside on a sunny day than during a series of dental x-rays, especially now that digital technology is available. Other patients may be concerned about the cost of x-rays and are surprised to find out that most dental x-rays can be worked into their budget very easily.
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An x-ray exam may reveal:
- Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
- Infections in the bone;
- Periodontal (gum) disease;
- Abscesses or cysts;
- Developmental abnormalities;
- Some types of tumors.
Finding and treating dental disease at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. Dental x-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam.
The doctors use guidelines developed by the ADA in collaboration with the FDA and North Carolina state laws to serve as an adjunct to the dentist’s professional judgment of how to best use diagnostic imaging for each patient.
Help us to help you maintain your teeth for a lifetime.
Professional Cleanings
Having your teeth professionally cleaned is vital to maintaining optimal dental health. A professional cleaning at least once every six months can improve the appearance of your teeth, your breath –even your overall health. Advanced techniques, such as ultrasonic instruments make removing tartar and bacteria much quicker. We feel very fortunate to have such high caliber dental hygienists caring for our family of patients. The hygiene team compliments each other and together they share the same philosophy toward optimal dental care. Our hygienists have over fifty years of combined experience and while their main objective is to thoroughly remove tartar and bacteria, the patients comfort is an important part of that process.
Please click here for more information about Importance of Regular Exams
Periodontal/Gum Disease
Periodontal/Gum Disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Mainly caused by plaque, it is usually painless. Regular dental visits are essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Early and moderate periodontal/gum disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. Warning signs of advanced periodontal/gum disease may include red, swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose permanent teeth or separating, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite/chew. Evidence suggests that people with periodontal/gum disease are at a higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births, and respiratory disease. The key is not to delay. Early treatment is critical to the success of treatment.
Please click here for more information about Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Fluoride
In office fluoride treatments are another way to significantly reduce the occurrence of tooth decay. Fluoride varnish has practical advantages like ease of application, a non-offensive taste, and use of smaller amounts of fluoride than required for gel applications. A thin layer of the tooth colored varnish is applied easily with a small brush to the entire tooth surface. The fluoride sets up in seconds and stays in place slowly releasing fluoride until it is brushed off. And it is no longer necessary to wait to eat or drink.
Please click here for more information about The Benefits of Fluoride
Sealants
Tooth decay is the most widespread dental disease among children however; it is also the most preventable. Adding sealants to an active oral hygiene regime can significantly reduce the occurrence of tooth decay. Sealants consist of a white, acrylic-like material that helps shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surface of the back teeth. Once the six year molars (first permanent back teeth) appear, it is best to apply sealants as soon as possible.
Even if your child brushes and flosses carefully, it is difficult to clean the tiny grooves and pits of certain teeth. Sealants protect these grooves and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities are found in children. Sealants are one of the many ways we try to prevent cavities and keep teeth strong.
Please click here for more information about Sealants
Digital X-rays
Dental x-rays have come a long way in the last few years. Our office uses a system that is totally digital. The sensors we use are thinner and more flexible than past x-rays. And the amount of detail is almost twice that of conventional x-rays. Another exciting advantage to digital x-rays is that the amount of radiation exposure has been greatly reduced, which is a huge benefit to our patients.
Please click here for more information about X-ray Technology:
Digital X-Rays Bitewing X-Rays Panographic X-Rays
Intraoral Camera
A tool that allows us to capture and view actual pictures and videos of what we see in your mouth. The images are viewed on a computer monitor within the exam room. This up close view allows you to become an active partner in your dental treatment by enabling you to see what we see. We feel this helps you in making confident decisions regarding your dental care.
Please click here for more information about Intraoral Camera Technology
** X-rays, intra-oral photographs and study models are done on a fee for service basis and are not included in the free consultation**