Cleanings & Prevention
 Dr. Mark Wojciechowski has provided dental care for thousands in the surrounding community. With our focus on high quality care using the latest in proven dental technologies, Dr. Mark Wojciechowski is able to provide high quality dental care in a warm and caring environment.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is performed by a hygienist and usually lasts around 30 minutes. Dental cleanings should include the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth surface (scaling), polishing and smoothing the root surface, and a deep cleaning below the gum line (root planing) if needed. Dental cleanings should occur every six months to ensure plaque build-up is kept in check. Modern scaling uses a combination of hand and advanced electric scaling tools to increase cleaning effectiveness and efficiency.
Deep Cleaning Gum Treatment
Non-surgical gum treatment may be needed if the periodontium, the specialized tissues that surround and support the gums, ligaments and bone structure are unhealthy. Signs of an unhealthy periodontium and gum disease are:
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gums that are red and bleed easily
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gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
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consistently bad breath
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loose or shifting teeth |
With proper treatment, the conditions that enable the periodontium to heal may be re-established. The gum treatment may include a root planing deep cleaning, local anesthetic, and antibiotics. Untreated gum disease may lead to more extensive surgeries or tooth extraction.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride applications help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and are especially important for children. Fluoride is also especially important for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment and older adults with conditions such as low salivary flow and/or exposed root surfaces or recession.
For cavity prevention, it is recommended that children receive an exam and fluoride treatment every six months.
Oral Cancer Screening
Part of your oral examination is screening for Oral Cancer. A Velscope is used to test adults for abnormal cancer cells in the oral cavity, that are just under the tissue surface and not visible to the naked eye.
Sealants
Many people have narrow grooves in their teeth that are very hard to or can't be cleaned with a toothbrush. In these cases, Dr. Mark Wojciechowski will clean the tooth surface and use a sealant to seal and smooth the tooth surface so it can be cleaned by brushing. If not treated, the grooves will develop tooth decay, eventually leading to a cavity, and the need for a filling or more serious corrective procedures.
Digital X-rays
X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with x-rays before they become problematic can save you money in the long run. Early detection can help prevent the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect:
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Internal tooth decay
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Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
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Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
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Impacted teeth
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Teeth that are still coming in |
At our office we use digital x-rays, which have several advantages over traditional film based x-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to take x-rays with 1/5 of the radiation that you would receive from traditional dental x-rays. The worry of exposure to excess radiation is eliminated.
Large on-screen x-rays make patient communication more effective. The immediate observation of the images on the screen allows us to discuss your dental health quickly and accurately.
Digital radiography has greatly enhanced the practice of dentistry. It allows the patient and the doctor to see images of the teeth in higher resolution on a large format for easier detection of problems, all while decreasing the radiation exposure to the patient. The process we use further defines the radiograph, resulting in clinically meaningful images that are sharp, detailed and rich in contrast.
Images are available instantly after exposure, eliminating the wait and effort spent developing and mounting x-rays. If an image needs to be retaken, it can be done immediately. Digital format also allows us to send and receive your images electronically, allowing for a faster consultation with Dr. Mark Wojciechowski. |
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