The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months (twice a year). This frequency is effective because it allows us to catch potential issues like decay or gum disease in their earliest stages, making treatment simpler and less invasive.

However, the ideal schedule is truly personalized. Some patients with excellent oral health may only need an annual visit, while those with a history of gum disease, chronic conditions, or specific risk factors may need to come in every three or four months. At Crown Dentistry, we will always recommend a personalized visit schedule tailored to your unique oral health needs.

We aim to make your routine visit a comfortable, four-step process designed to ensure your smile is healthy and bright:

1. Comprehensive Exam: Our dental hygienist or dentist first examines your entire mouth, checking the health of your gums, tongue, and the surface of your teeth for any obvious signs of disease or decay.
2. Digital X-Rays (as needed): We use modern, low-radiation digital X-rays to see what is invisible to the naked eye—the area between your teeth, under existing fillings, and below the gum line. This helps us diagnose hidden decay, bone loss, or cysts early.
3. Scaling and Polishing: This is the deep cleaning part. Our hygienist performs scaling, gently removing hardened plaque (tartar) from above and below the gum line. Then, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel.
4. Final Dentist Review: The dentist concludes the appointment, reviewing your X-rays, discussing any findings, answering your questions, and collaboratively planning any necessary future treatment.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is the result of bacteria mixing with sugary or starchy foods and drinks. If plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it can lead to two major problems:

• Cavities (Tooth Decay): The bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating tiny holes we call cavities.
• Gum Disease: Plaque irritates the gum tissue, leading to a condition called gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums). If ignored, it hardens into tartar and progresses to periodontitis, which can cause bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.

This is why our preventative care services are so vital!

The difference is simple: a cavity is the problem, and a filling is the solution.

• A Cavity is the permanent damage or hole in the tooth structure that occurs when tooth decay (caused by plaque and acid) breaks through the enamel.
• A Filling is the treatment. Once we gently remove the decayed part of the tooth, we restore the structure and function by placing a strong, tooth-colored material (the filling) into the space.

A root canal is a common treatment needed when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or inflamed. Signs you may require this restorative service include:

• Severe Toothache: Persistent, throbbing pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Lingering Sensitivity: Pain that lasts long after exposure to hot or cold temperatures.
• Swollen or Tender Gums: Swelling or a small pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums near the painful tooth.
• Darkening of the Tooth: The affected tooth may turn a darker color.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call Crown Dentistry immediately for an emergency dental evaluation. We offer effective treatments to relieve discomfort and restore your oral health.