Maintaining Oral Health Through Routine Dental Checkups

While it is a real privilege to care for your family’s oral health needs, maintaining a healthy and stunning smile is a shared responsibility between Silsby Family Dental and our neighbors of all ages across the Albion and the greater western New York area. Led by Dr. Evan Silsby, our team partners with patients to provide routine care that is personalized by needs, personal preferences, and goals. Such care also evolves as needs change. And dental cleanings and exams are fundamental to routine and proactive care.

Why do I need to schedule an exam/cleaning when my mouth feels fine?

Issues can lurk underneath the surface, even when your smile “looks great” and your teeth and gums “feel fine.” Only dentists like Dr. Silsby can confirm if you have developed early gum disease or enamel erosion (decay). These early conditions are notorious for being “silent,” not manifesting with symptoms like pain or swelling. Or, if symptoms are present, they may be easy to ignore due to their subtlety.

How do you detect such subtle or early-stage problems?

You can benefit from our considerable know-how and advanced diagnostic tools, like CBCT scanners and ultra-safe digital x-rays. During checkups completed at least twice yearly, Dr. Silsby will also assess for things like “bite” – or how your opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws make contact with each other when your mouth is closed. He also checks by sight or touch for anomalies indicating pre-cancers or oral cancers. Similar to other types of cancer, these growths have high “cure” rates if treated at the local stage (before they spread to the lymph nodes or distant tissues).

How are your in-office cleanings different from how I clean my teeth at home?

Our hygienists will clean your teeth. They have special training and dental instruments. This considerable skill is applied to gently yet fully lift hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from the teeth and harmful germs and stains on the tooth surfaces. Plaque that builds up and hardens is resistant; it doesn’t budge with OTC toothbrushes and floss. If harmful bacterial plaque is allowed to flourish, it contributes to the development and progression of destructive tooth decay and gum disease.

What if you find something wrong?

No worries! We are here to help. For example, we may determine that you are a suitable candidate for a “deep cleaning” procedure to address active gum disease. This scaling and root planing process removes harmful bacteria and plaque from under the gums. It also involves creating a smooth surface for the tooth roots – a helpful step, as rough root surfaces attract bacteria. With this service, we halt gum disease, encourage healing, and avoid the need for more extensive periodontal therapies to treat damaged gums. We can also recommend a range of additional professional preventative products – from fluoride supplements and dental sealants to oral appliances like nightguards and sports mouthguards. Treatments should be considered only as a last resort, as there are many effective ways to prevent and protect your mouth from damage that would require treatment.

If you or a family member is due for a checkup, schedule one today. Contact Silsby Family Dental of Albion, NY (585) 589-4325. We can coordinate several family appointments and save you the back-and-forth trips!