Good oral hygiene is fundamental to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Proper, consistent brushing and flossing at home must be complemented by routine professional care at the office of Willow Creek Dentistry in Rochester, New York.
Are most problems with the mouth preventable?
Yes. Some of the most common oral problems include dental decay (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease). These are also the top causes of tooth loss. With the right home care and professional care, we can prevent damage to the teeth and gums. Or, when early enamel erosion or gum inflammation develops, Drs. Chris Calnon, Scott Koopman, and Molly Hatala can identify and stop it before more damage occurs that erodes the teeth, gums, and bone.
What is done during routine hygiene visits at your office?
During these “check-ups,” Drs. Calnon, Koopman, or Hatala examines your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth for signs of disease and other problems. They also perform an oral cancer exam to check for lumps, bumps, and discoloration that could be signs of pre-cancers or cancerous lesions. One of our dental hygienists also cleans your teeth. They use special instruments and products to remove plaque, stubborn tartar, and surface stains. Plaque build-up is a risk factor for disease, so by keeping it under control, we minimize your risk of developing dental decay and gum disease.
Am I brushing and flossing right?
Our team is happy to help you improve your home care. It is possible that you are not brushing thoroughly enough, or are missing spots (such as hard-to-reach areas underneath a dental bridge). We get to know your specific needs and can recommend oral care products and brushing and flossing techniques that are appropriate for you. For instance, it is important to brush the tongue, palate, and other areas that harbor bacteria, too. When it comes to flossing, we also encourage patients to move the floss in an up-and-down motion and not a side-to-side sawing motion to adequately catch lingering food particles.
Are all professional cleanings the same?
No. If we find signs of gum disease, our Doctors may recommend a “deep cleaning.” This service is known as scaling and root planing. SRP involves cleaning below the gumline. It also involves smoothing the surfaces of the roots. By creating a smooth surface, plaque is not as likely to attach and accumulate in these areas. More advanced gum disease may require other treatments.
Do I still need to visit you if my teeth and gums feel fine?
Absolutely! You should see us at least one time every six months for your hygiene visit, no matter how your mouth feels or looks. It’s important to know that oral problems tend not to cause noticeable changes until after they have progressed. At this point, you may notice signs of damage such as bleeding and painful gums, and swelling in the area around a tooth. All of this can be avoided with regular care at Willow Creek Dentistry. To schedule your check-up, call our team in Rochester, NY at (585) 889-2559 today.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced team of dentists is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by advanced training and ongoing education.
Together, our doctors bring decades of combined experience, advanced clinical training, and active involvement in professional organizations. Their shared commitment to continuing education and modern dentistry ensures patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, trusted environment.
