Dentistry for the Whole Family

Preventive Care

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age! By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with Dr. Kassan, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
• Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
• Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
• If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

• Brushing Instructions
• Flossing Instructions

Printable instructions >

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Fillings

Many patients are familiar with the silver-mercury amalgam filling, which has been the stardard restoration material for years.  It does not bond well to teeth, so eventually bacteria will set in and decay can grow under the filling.  Patients do not like the appearance of this dark filling that contrasts with the natural shade of their teeth.  

Today we use ony composite resin fillings that bond tightly to teeth and can be matched to the shade of your real tooth to give you a long-lasting, natural-looking restoration. 

Crowns

Crowns are a restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn or partially destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are "cemented" onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. Unlike fillings, which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

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Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body.  While routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting Dr. Kassan for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months when you have good dental health to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful. Some patients require they be seen every 3 or 4 times per year if they have more serious dental conditions that require they be monitored more closely.

By routinely seeing Dr. Kassan for exams and cleanings, you can:

• Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
• Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
• Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
• Shorten the time spent in your dentist's office
• Have a smile that will last a lifetime

The Exam

During your exam, Dr. Kassan and your dental hygieneist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems.  He may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening in between your teeth and beneath the surface of your teeth and gums where he cannot see directly.The digital x-rays provided use a very low level of radiation and help Dr. Kassan diagnose dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. She will also perform a thorough oral cancer screeing known as a head and neck exam.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of specialy designed instruments to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know.  The hygienist will asses your oral hygiene and will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits if there is a need. In severe cases, they may recommend a "deep cleanig" known as scaling and root planing or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, Dr. Kassan will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.