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Dr. Scott Sahf & Team
Visit a unique
dental place!
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120
Chadwick Square Court, Suite B, Hendersonville, NC
692-2130 |
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828-692-2130
Cosmetic Dentistry
Available

Contact Us Today!
828-692-2130 |
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Preventive Dentistry
Preventive measures can do wonders for your dental health. A few simple
homecare practices, paired with regular visits to your dental
professional will go a long way toward maintaining optimal oral health.
Daily preventive procedures share the common goal of removing bacteria
from the mouth. If allowed to build-up, bacteria adheres to the teeth,
tongue and soft tissue which becomes plaque, that over time can
mineralize into a hard substance called calculus. Only professional
cleanings can remove calculus.
Inadequate plaque control is the primary cause of gingivitis (inflamed
gums), periodontitis (bacteria gum disease), and oral malodor (bad
breath). Patients can minimize bacterial accumulation through regular
brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, and periodic dental hygiene
appointments (dental prophylaxis).
The Hygiene Appointment
Professional cleanings and assessments enable dental professionals to
remain abreast of your oral health status and they can provide guidance
on steps to take to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular preventive
dental visits allow problems to be identified early while they can be
fixed easily and painlessly.
What Should You Expect?
During a standard appointment, a dental hygienist uses scaling
instruments and tongue scrapers to remove the build-up of plaque and
calculus from the teeth and soft tissue. The hygienist and dentist may:
Screen for cancer and other diseases
Evaluate supporting bone structure
Check for cavities
Assess the integrity existing dental restorations
Take x-rays
Apply Fluoride
Evaluate aesthetic options
Professional Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride therapy has been proven beneficial in maintaining optimal oral
health, particularly in the prevention of tooth decay and
hypersensitivity. Since the introduction of fluoride into public water
supplies more than 50 years ago, the incidence of cavities has declined
dramatically by strengthening developing permanent teeth. However,
professional fluoride treatments, combined with daily home therapy, can
often times improve dental health. Treatment options vary according to a
patient's susceptibility to decay, level of tooth sensitivity,
periodontal (gum) condition and number of cosmetic restoration.
Professional In-Office Solutions
A professional fluoride treatment is an important part of your dental
cleaning. The fluoride treatment will enhance the ability of your tooth
surface to resist acid attacks and decay and replace the layer that is
removed during tooth scaling and polishing.
Professional Take-Home Solutions
If you've ever had a questionable area of decay, tooth sensitivity, or
bleeding gums within the last year, a professional take-home fluoride
may be necessary. Your dental professional will recommend the most
appropriate fluoride based on your oral condition. Daily fluoride
therapy may also be helpful for patients with orthodontic appliances, or
those with exposed rot surfaces.
Sealants
Like fluoride, dental sealants can give today's children a head start on
good oral health. A sealant is a clear acrylic material that is applied
directly to cavity-prone chewing surfaces and grooves of the back teeth,
providing protection against decay.
Sealants are most beneficial when applied to the permanent teeth as soon
as they grow in. The sealant is simply placed on the teeth, and a
special light is aimed at the area to harden the material so that it
adheres.
Caring For Dental Sealants
It is important to note that sealants do not eliminate the need for
daily home care. Children still should be taught to brush with a
fluoride toothpaste and floss.
120
Chadwick Square Court, Suite B, Hendersonville, NC |