Preventative Dentistry
Albany, OR
 At Special Care Dentistry of Oregon, we pride ourselves on comprehensive care for patients with special needs. Comprehensive dental care can help keep your teeth healthy, as well as your body, too. If you are in need of professional dental services specifically tailored to patients with special health care needs, we can help!
Routine Cleaning (Dental Prophylaxis)
We recommend that you see us for an exam and cleaning every six months to help you maintain excellent oral health. Some patients with special needs may qualify for more frequent cleanings due to their unique health status. Dental cleanings are performed by one of our dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. Cleanings take about one hour, and are scheduled every three to six months, depending on your needs. After your cleaning, Dr. Summers will perform a dental exam.
For patients unable to undergo routine dental cleanings in our office, we strongly advocate for frequent dental cleaning at one of our local hospitals under general anesthesia. Maintaining great oral hygiene is the foundation for excellent dental health. We recommend seeing patients every one to three years under anesthesia, depending on their specific special health care needs.
Dental Exams
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up as determined by your dentist, and typically once a year works well for most patients. A routine appointment with Dr. Summers will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. While we try to obtain as much information at each appointment, sometimes our patients with special needs will require anesthesia to perform a thorough exam, which includes dental radiographs (X-rays). Performing services under anesthesia allows us to maintain the highest levels of care, while helping you maintain great oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening
At Special Care Dentistry of Oregon, we offer oral cancer screening services, which helps to detect the disease at its onset, thus allowing for timely and lifesaving treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection affecting the tissue and bones that support your teeth. Irritation and damage can occur when bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up between the teeth and gums. While not curable, periodontal disease can be managed with routine dental hygiene visits and excellent home care.
Your hygienist and Dr. Summers will evaluate your condition and recommend treatment. In some cases, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing is done to remove buildup and allow the gum tissue to heal. Because of the extensive nature of scaling and root planing, this procedure is often completed under anesthesia for our patients with special needs.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance basically refers to various oral health care measures, which are taken to ensure that periodontal disease does not recur. This is achieved by keeping bacterial infection at bay. The maintenance care, however, also offers several other benefits, in addition to keeping the disease away.
For patients unable to undergo periodontal maintenance cleanings in our office, we strongly advocate for frequent dental cleaning at one of our local hospitals under general anesthesia. Maintaining great oral hygiene is the foundation for excellent dental health. We recommend seeing patients every one to three years under anesthesia, depending on their specific special health care needs.
Fluoride treatment has been called one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century due to its ability to help prevent tooth decay. Daily brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste will help prevent decay. When appropriate, Dr. Summers may recommend a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to better ensure tooth decay prevention. For our patients with special needs who are at a higher risk of decay due to their unique healthcare needs, we may also recommend a topical fluoride varnish at each visit, to further promote healthy teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about preventative dentistry, call 541-926-3689 and schedule your appointment today! |
