Preventive Dentistry

+ Dental Checkup/Examinations

Dr. Larhs will routinely examine you twice a year. She will assess the many aspects of your oral health, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

+ Oral Cancer Screening

Cancer can strike in any part of the mouth, including the lip and the tongue. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. For this reason, it is very important to receive annual screenings even if you are not having any symptoms.  During your dental examinations, we screen for pre-cancerous changes in the oral tissues. Specifically, we will look and feel for lumps, bumps, discolored patches and recurring sores. It is also important to communicate with Dr. Larhs if you notice continued changes in your mouth or throat. This could include swelling, sores (ulcers), numbness or difficulty swallowing or chewing. However, it is important to note that oral pain does not always occur with oral cancer. Should Dr. Larhs identify any abnormal tissues, we typically recommend a follow up in a few weeks to reassess the area for any changes. If the abnormal finding is still present, Dr. Larhs may conduct a biopsy that is sent to a lab for further inspection.

+ Preventive Routine Dental Cleanings

Your smile creates a lasting impression and has a big affect on your appearance. Your oral health also significantly affects your overall health and quality of life. Getting your teeth and gums professionally cleaned and checked by a dentist regularly is the best way to keep your teeth and gums looking great. If regular cleanings aren’t part of your preventive care routine, periodontal (gum) disease may develop.  Dr. Larhs recommends routine cleanings at a frequency that will best maintain your dental health, typically twice a year. If there is active gum disease or a high risk of gum disease, we will recommend a periodontal therapy program, or more frequent cleaning visits.

Our team of hygienists is truly outstanding. In 2022 we have introduced new technology for professional cleanings, called Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). There is simply no better way to keep harmful biofilm under control than using this Swiss-developed technology and protocol. We are very pleased to offer this treatment option to our patients - very few dental practices in the United States have this equipment or training available at this point in time. See video link for a brief description of GBT protocol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

+ Digital Radiography

Digital x-rays allow Dr. Larhs to visualize areas of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam.  These low radiation x-rays (90% less radiation than traditional film x-rays) give us the opportunity to detect and diagnose issues before they can cause significant damage and pain. Early detection is also key in allowing Dr. Larhs to be as conservative as possible in treatment recommendations, which maximizes health and can minimize your investment in dental treatment costs.

Top reasons why we take x-rays:

• To look for decay between the teeth. Sometimes decay isn’t visible to the naked eye and exists in areas the dentist cannot see.
• Check for bone loss associated with gum disease. Gum disease can cause bone loss and an x-ray will show how advanced it is.
• Check for decay under fillings. Sometimes decay under fillings can occur and can only be seen with an x-ray.
• Look for infection in the bone around the tip/end of the tooth root. Such infections can appear in absence of symptoms.
• Properly assess any given area before procedures. Dentists need a full view of the teeth and bone before procedures are started.

+ Fluoride and Sealants

Fluoride treatments are an important component of a preventive dental care plan and can be used to lessen the risk of tooth decay in both adults and children. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque, bacteria and sugars in the mouth. The process of applying fluoride to the teeth is painless and can be completed in a matter of minutes in the comfort of our dental office.

Sealants are a thin protective coating that makes the natural grooves or pits in the surface of the teeth shallower. This makes it easier to keep the teeth clean and block bacteria out. Children and teenagers benefit the most from sealants, although adults can be good candidates for this preventive treatment as well.