What You Can Expect from your Dentist in Tulsa

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Davis, your dentist in Tulsa at your initial dental visit. Take advantage of our offer of a free dental exam for Tulsa area new patients.

At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Results of Diagnodent, laser cavity dectection
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Oral cancer screening.

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventive, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. We take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation, including using lead apron shields to protect the body and using digital sensors which require much less radiation exposure.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Dr. Davis and our dental hygienists will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at check-up visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems. See us free x rays and a free consultation soon.

The Diagnodent is a laser light that can detect caries (cavities) in its early stages This enables minimally invasive treatments, the patient is subjected to less stress, and more tooth substance is retained. Used regularly in conjunction with x-rays, you are assured of finding cavities at their very earliest stage… and stopping them from getting bigger!

What to Expect During Your Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings are performed by our Registered Dental Hygienists.if you are a candidate for routine cleanings and have no gum disease, your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following. If you have active gum disease (red, bleeding, puffy gums, loose teeth or bad breath) please see Periodontal cleanings.

• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums.
• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Home Care Advice from your dentist in Tulsa

As your dedicated dentist in Tulsa, Ok, a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
5. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electricbrush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
4. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your Tulsa Dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care. And remember to regularly visit your dentist. Tulsa, OK appointments are available at times convenient for you.