Family Care
Main Street Smiles is happy to serve your entire family. From toddlers to seniors and everyone in between, we are here for you. We provide cleanings and checkups and loads of good information in an environment that has a focus on education and not on lecture. We know life can get in the way at times, and we are not here to judge. We are here, though, to help you achieve your oral health goals and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
5
BENEFITS OF
CHECKUPS
1 | Preventative Care
2 | Early Oral Cancer Detection
3 | Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
4 | Save Money
5 | Peace of Mind
Cleanings
In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day with dental floss, dental cleanings by a licensed hygienist are a critical ingredient to your oral health care recipe. Our hygienists provide cleanings as well as deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) and a host of other treatments (including local antibiotic delivery) to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling great. Over time, plaque and calculus (tartar) builds up on the teeth and can lead to gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums) which can lead to bleeding and is the first step towards periodontitis (a loss of bone and supporting structure of the teeth).
Left unchecked, periodontitis can lead to early tooth loss and loss of bone necessary to support healthy teeth. Luckily, all you have to do is visit us every 6 months for your hygienist check-up so we can keep tabs on how your periodontium is doing. When caught early, we can stop and often reverse the changes of light to moderate or even more severe periodontitis. In addition to keeping your teeth, gums and bone healthy and feeling great, a good cleaning every 6 months also removes stubborn stains that can be caused by smoking, drinking wine or coffee, or just general use and wear of the teeth.
​
Scaling & Root Planing
Early identification and treatment of periodontal disease can help maintain a healthy periodontium and stop or slow the progression of bone loss. For some patients with early or moderate bone loss or compromised supporting periodontium, scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning) is the treatment indicated. In more severe cases, we may additionally recommend local antibiotic delivery directly into the pockets around the teeth.
Digital X-rays
Digital x-rays are an integral component of the dental examination. X-rays allow the dentist to see what is going on in areas hidden to the naked eye. Cavities forming in between the teeth, problems with the roots, and abscesses in the bone are all revealed through the use of x-ray. X-rays also reveal areas of demineralization in the teeth. This demineralization is most often associated to the pathological process of tooth decay. Areas that are demineralized or decalcified show up slightly darker on X-rays. Progression of tooth decay and proximity to the nerve can be visualized guiding treatment.
The ADA recommends that patients take a full series of x-rays every 5 years and maintenance x-rays (bitewings) annually. Contrary to what you may think or may have heard, dental x-rays expose the patient to a very small amount of radiation. A typical intraoral dental x-ray exposes the patient to 0.005 mSv (milliSieverts). In comparison, a single medical chest x-ray exposes the patient to 20 times that amount or 0.1 mSv, and a 2.5 hour flight from Fort Lauderdale to New York 0.01 mSv, significantly more than a dental x-ray.
“You are treated like
family from the first time you walk in the door.”
Patrick - Chicago, IL
Oral Examination & Cancer Screening
Oral examination, recommended by the ADA to be performed every six months, can reveal changes in your teeth over time and can often expose areas of current or future concern. Oral Examination consists of several pieces:​
The Head and Neck examination – during this part of the exam we look closely for any lumps, bumps, or areas of tenderness that could signify deeper systemic problems.
Soft tissue examination – we look at the tongue, inner cheeks and surrounding mucosa, lips and throat for anything that could be an early sign of malignancy.
Hard tissue examination – now it's time to focus on the teeth! We look for shadows and darkness on the visible areas of teeth including the chewing surface. You will notice us feeling around your teeth with an explorer which allows us to find softer "sticky" areas of teeth which are an indication of current decay.
VelScope examination – The VelScope is an instrument that uses a safe blue light that causes your gums and mucosa to fluoresce. The rate of fluorescence is different for rapidly dividing cells (a possible area of malignancy), so it can be a valuable tool to assist the dentist in identifying areas of concern.
Treatment Plan
Based on the collection of data from the x-ray, oral examination and cancer screening, we will put together a treatment plan to address any issues or areas of concern that were revealed. In some cases, the treatment plan can consist of definitive treatment such as a filling, crown, or root canal. In other cases, we may recommend a procedure to further help with diagnosis like a biopsy, 3D x-ray or a bite or cold test. We may also recommend a referral to a specialist depending on the type and extent of the findings. In any case, you can be assured that we will always discuss all of our findings and our recommended treatment plan with you in as much detail as you would like. You should never be rushed when it comes to your health.
Toothaches and Other Emergency Care
Have a toothache? Or have you suffered a dental injury? We are here to help. We know that toothaches and injuries can be debilitating and excruciatingly painful. Call us, and we will make every effort possible to see you the same day and relieve your pain. We typically start with an x-ray and other diagnostic tests on the affected tooth or teeth. If necessary, we perform most treatments required for resolving toothaches right here in our office, including medication, root canal, crown(s), extraction(s), implant(s) and more. If your dental injury requires a specialist consultation or more urgent care, we will assist with that. Do not suffer through the ache. Putting it off will only make it worse!
