Protecting your family's dental health is a big job, and we are here to help you! We understand how busy family life can be - we enjoy seeing both adults and children in our office and are happy to accommodate the scheduling needs of you and your family.
At each visit, we will share the latest information with you regarding preventive measures that you can take at home, such as brushing and flossing techniques or medicated rinses to help protect your smile.
Our goal is to detect warning signs of tooth decay or oral health problems as early as possible through regular checkups to help keep your smile healthy and avoid costly dental procedures.
Our complete dental examination for adults is the first step towards total health. A healthy smile begins with a complete assessment of your teeth, jaw joints, bite, and gums. During your first appointment, we will evaluate your oral health carefully using diagnostic tools such as digital dental radiographs, complete gum measurements, and a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw joints, and soft tissue to look for areas of disease or infection, broken-down fillings, or ill-fitting appliances.
With this information, we will discuss your smile goals to develop a plan to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
We usually see children ages 2 and older in our practice. It is important to create positive early dental experiences for your child, as this can affect their oral health habits later in life.
We pace your child's first visit to our office based on their interest and response to the dental environment. Sometimes it is just a ride in the “spaceship” (dental chair) or a teeth cleaning while your child holds “Mr. Thirsty” (the suction) and learns what we are all about. We will also teach both you and your child how to make brushing and healthy eating habits fun and rewarding to take care of that precious smile!
In some cases, Dr. Payne may recommend that your child be seen by a children’s dental specialist, or Pediatric Dentist if they are very apprehensive or have extensive needs.
What are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of a tooth to seal deep grooves that can sometimes be an entry point for decay-causing bacteria.
Sealants create a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean and can last for years. Sealants require no drilling or anesthetic, and are a great preventive procedure for children to help protect permanent teeth.
Please let us know how we can assist you with your family's oral health needs.