Firewheel Dentistry

Our goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality dental care available anywhere. This includes everything from the selection of the latest, state-of-art materials, the most up-to-date procedures, and stringent patient protection. Your health, comfort, and individual needs are foremost in our minds.

In the past, large surface cavities in teeth were numerous and easy to spot. X-rays were used to detect decay occurring primarily in hard to see areas between teeth. However, by the time decay is visually detectable on the surface or on an x-ray it is usually deep, with the potential to cause nerve damage. With widespread use of fluoride, the outer tooth enamel has become much harder in most people. This is good news! However, small micro cavities, undetectable on x-ray or to the naked eye, can occur in the tiny pits and grooves on the surface of teeth. These cavities often appear as stained areas which, if left untreated, can eventually penetrate down into the soft inner portion of the tooth where they can mushroom out to become a large cavity.

Today, one of our main concerns is preventing large cavities from ever occurring. This begins with early detection of tooth decay which takes place during a thorough examination. If cavities are suspected, the teeth are coated with a decay-detecting solution. With the use of the intraoral camera these area of decay are magnified and appear on the monitor as dark stains. These can then be treated comfortably and conservatively.

MYTH

Here are some common myths about dentistry that we would like to clear up?for your good health!

1. I brush a lot. I don't need to floss.
If only that were true! Brushing only cleans 60% of the tooth. Flossing cleans the other 40%. It's this 40% (between teeth and below the gum line) where most dental problems occur. Bacteria left untouched in these areas turn to plague and will eventually cause gum disease and decay.

2. I thought the purpose of flossing was to remove food that was stuck between my teeth.
The real reason to floss doesn't have much to do with food. It has more to do with bacteria. Most food particles get washed away but it's the bacteria left behind that causes the formation of plaque. That's the real culprit. Flossing removes the bacteria before it can turn to tartar. Once tartar forms, you can't remove it. Only we can.

3. My child's baby teeth aren't that important because they just fall out anyway.
Yes, thy will come out, but primary teeth do need proper care. The premature loss of even a single baby tooth can cause teeth to shift which may bring about life long bite problems. This also means much more tooth wear. Primary teeth are also important in maintaining space for permanent teeth as the jaw grows. Don't neglect baby teeth. They have and important job to do!

4. My teeth don't hurt so they must be healthy.
Not really. Most small cavities do not caused any pain. However, if left untreated, cavity can eventually penetrate and cause nerve damage. At this point, toothache occurs. It's good thing to do regular dental check-up and prevention to keep your teeth healthy.