What Is Wellness Dentistry?
Wellness Dentistry recognizes that oral health and general health are interlinked and recommends the integration of wellness protocols and strategies into dental practices.
Wellness dentistry practitioners can help their patients achieve better health and wellness because they have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify disease early and to educate and guide patients.
Wellness dentistry offer an expanded level of care through the earlier detection of broader health issues. By looking beyond just the teeth, dentists can create an increased awareness of conditions that have a significant impact on patient health.
Preventive Dentistry
Emerging technologies and the growing awareness of the role a dentist can play in the overall health of their patients is transforming the dentistry profession. No longer should we remain comfortable with just focusing on the mechanics of repairing teeth - we can and must do more. The Wellness Dentistry Network was founded on the belief that together, we can change the approach to how we interact with our patients, collaborate with each other to share information, and more effectively integrate with other areas of the healthcare model. By doing so, we're not just elevating the practice of dentistry, we're changing, improving, and yes, in some cases saving lives. Let us show you how.
Your initial appointment at Oneida Park Dental Studio involves a comprehensive oral exam. Dr. Brewick will review your medical and dental history and listen to your goals/concerns before inspecting your teeth.
The dental exam is very thorough and consists of:
- checking all of your teeth for decay and defective fillings
- examining your mouth for oral cancer and periodontal disease
- taking the necessary diagnostic x-rays.
Our dental hygienist will perform a dental cleaning. Once we diagnose the results of your exam, Dr. Brewick will discuss the findings and outline a recommended treatment plan, as well as detail the amount of time and cost associated with your treatment.
Good oral hygiene is important for general health. The lack of good oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infections, tooth loss, and bone loss. Good home care and regular cleanings and exams can prevent these problems as well as provide you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
At Oneida Park Dental Studio, your oral health is our top priority. We are here to do anything that we can to assist you in taking excellent care of your teeth and gums. This includes the Saliva Testing, Periodontal Treatment, Root Planing & Scaling (deep cleaning).
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Studies have shown that periodontal disease can be a contributing factor to heart disease. We will examine your gum tissues to ensure that gum disease is detected in its early stages. Because bone loss is a significant consideration in determining the outcome of cosmetic treatment, we take the health of your gum and bone tissues very seriously.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
A deep teeth cleaning, also known as Root Planing and Scaling, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar deposits from the surface of a tooth, including the tooth root. During this type of cleaning, the roots of the teeth are scaled, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the root surface. Typically, the deep teeth cleaning requires two visits and most patients are numb for this procedure.
Flouride Treatment
For many patients regular fluoride treatments can be beneficial. In our office, we use a fluoride varnish to deliver an effective treatment that will remineralize and strengthen weakened areas as well as reduce sensitivity for some patients. Current guidelines indicate that following the discovery of any new decay, fluoride treatments should be provided at each cleaning appointment for a period of no less than three years.
Fillings
Fillings are a perfect solution to resolve holes from tooth decay. These holes are commonly known as cavities. They essentially “fill” the hole, helping to resist further tooth decay. After an initial consultation, an amalgam filling or a composite resin filling will be placed based on the needs of the patient.
Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings
If you’re embarrassed about your smile because of decay or dark fillings in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A silicon dioxide-filled, tooth-colored plastic mixture, composite resins can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages over traditional silver, or amalgam, fillings. Because composite resins are not made of metal, we can blend and mix shades to find the perfect color to match your natural teeth. This means only you and your dentist will know you have fillings. Another advantage is that the tooth/composite bond actually supports the remaining tooth structure, deterring breakage and insulating against temperature changes. Medium and small composites can last 7 to 10 years – that’s as long as the tried and true amalgams. Best of all, composite resins allow us to keep more of your natural tooth structure intact than amalgams.
Many patients with traditional amalgam fillings (metal fillings) are choosing to replace their dental fillings with comfortable and attractive composite fillings. Some patients have sensitivity to metal in their mouth and report having a metallic taste or discomfort because of their metal dental filling. We can remove your metal dental filling and replace it with either a composite resin dental filling or a dental inlay or onlay.
The advantage of composite fillings is that they can be closely matched to the color of the patient’s tooth. Composed from a mixture of quartz or glass fillers, composite fillings can be used on front or back teeth. A white shade of the filling material results in equally high durability along with a pleasing visual appeal.
After The Procedure
It is common for patients to feel pain and sensitivity around the filling. This only occurs for a short period of time and typically only lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.
Sealants
Sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of teeth after any staining is removed. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are most commonly placed on a child's permanent posterior teeth (molars) because they are more prone to cavities. While typically used on children,they can also be placed on adults' teeth, but most insurance companies won't cover them.
Oral Cancer Screening
If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are in primary danger of developing oral cancer. More than 8,000 deaths were attributed to oral cancer in the past year. We are committed to the prevention of oral cancer through early identification of pre cancerous conditions, and provide oral cancer screenings at each preventive care appointment.
Carifree
Do you ever wonder why some people continue to get cavities despite meticulous oral hygiene whereas others who rarely brush and floss do not? Can a person really be cavity prone?
Cavities are caused by a bacterial imbalance in your mouth, and when dentists drill and fill cavities, they are only treating the result of the infection, not the imbalance itself—and the decay returns. For many, it’s a frustrating, reactive approach to oral health, but not surprising. Until recently, dentists were taught that if you remove bacteria with good oral hygiene, you’ll be free of decay. The problem is that it’s just not that simple.
Break the cycle of decay with CariFree. CariFree elevated pH products neutralize decay-causing acids and fix your decay problem at it’s source. Safe to use every day, our non-abrasive products are highly effective and clinically proven to prevent cavities through remineralization.
Dr. Brewick Is A Member Of The Wellness Dentistry Network
.gif){kind=logo}
.svg)
