Cleanings

Regular teeth cleanings will prevent you from getting dentures later in life. Keep your smile beautiful by visiting Dentistry With TLC for a regular teeth cleaning. A regular teeth cleaning at least once every six months or as instructed can provide early diagnosis of other health problems.

Things to remember....

Keep your smile beautiful by having a regular cleaning.

Brush your teeth twice a day.  Replace your tooth brush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Clean between teeth daily with floss.  Decay causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

Visit your dentist at least two times a year for professional teeth cleaning and oral exams.

GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

It is estimated that at least 80% of Americans have gum disease and most aren’t aware of its presence.  At Dentistry With TLC we know it’s our job to monitor your gum health.  Different types of gum disease require different treatments.  At Dentistry With TLC we treat gum and bone disease without surgery.

  • 1 Gum Treatment Program - when plaque and tarter are left on teeth, it creates the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritates the gums, which means that they bleed more easily. You may notice this while brushing your teeth or eating. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. If left untreated, the inflammation will work its way down towards the foundations of the tooth creating a “periodontal pocket”. Dr. Smith and her team will design on individual gum treatment program to stop your gum and bone disease, and help you keep your teeth.
  • 2 Perio Protect - Perio Protect allows you to treat and clean your gums at home every day. This program allows you to place gentle medicine on your gums while you shower. It adds only a few extra seconds to your routine and can provide amazing results. It can improve the health of diseased gums, and keep healthy gums in great shape. Dr. Smith personally uses the program every day to keep her gums healthy, freshen breath and even to prevent common colds. She will evaluate if Perio Protect would be helpful for your unique situation.
  • 3 Arestin - Arestin® is an effective antibiotic treatment that comes in powder form. This powder is easily placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after the dental hygienist finishes the scaling and root planing procedure.
  • 4 Laser - Our high-powered, comfortable dental CO2 laser can be used to treat severe and stubborn gum and bone disease. A laser treatment has the ability to kill the bacteria hiding in your gums. In addition, it can change the way your body responds to the bacteria in your gums so the germs are not as effective at creating the disease in your mouth. Dr. Smith has invested in one of the very best dental lasers on the market (at a cost of over $65,000) to allow you the very best gum and bone treatment possible.

Oral Cancer Screenings

The VelScope is the first tool of its kind to help our doctors provide early detection of suspicious tissue in the mouth.  Such problem areas could lead to oral cancer.  Early discovery can save lives.

The VelScope system is non-invasive and there is no discomfort.  It only takes a few minutes and no rinses or stains are required.

Oral cancer kills one person every hour, 24 hours a day in the United States

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in males in the U.S.

Unlike several other cancers, the survival rate for oral cancer has remained unchanged for decades

The overall 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is 52%, but when discovered early, it increases to over 80%

Unfortunately, only 35% of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages.

The VelScope system allows us to provide this critical early detection.

digital x-rays

Digital X-rays eliminate chemicals once required for X-ray development and reduce the amount of radiation exposure.  Digital X-rays also provide a more detailed picture which allows the doctors to see the smallest cavities that wouldn’t normally have been detected by traditional film X-rays.  Dentistry With TLC has been using digital x-rays since 2005.

“I have been coming to Dentistry With TLC for about 20 years.  I feel if I ever have any questions or concerns after my visit I can always call Dr. Smith and she will help me.  I feel comfortable here and the people at Dentistry With TLC are very compassionate.” 

Doris D.

Godfrey, Illinois

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