Preventative Care is an important aspect of our dental office.  It includes comprehensive dental exams, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, x- rays, treatment planning and education. This routine care is critically important to maintaining the health of your teeth, gums and mouth– at every age!  Our goal is making your mouth healthy and stable, so you can enjoy your smile at every stage of life.

A dental hygiene appointment consists of:

• Soft tissue exam and oral screening to identify changes in the tissues of the mouth.
• Periodontal or gum disease screening, including checking for pockets, a measurement of the depth of your gums, and overall assessment of the health of your mouth.
• X-rays of your teeth unless you have had x-rays recently. A full set of x-rays should be taken with every new patient, or every 3-5 years.  Bite wing x-rays are routinely taken every year, based on each individual patient’s dental risks and needs. X-rays help locate disease and decay not seen by the naked eye.
• Preventative cleaning, which includes cleaning and polishing your teeth to remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth that produces acid that causes tooth decay)  and calculus (the hard build-up that can’t be removed without professional help).
• Your dental hygienist will also discuss proper flossing and brushing technique or answer any questions about cavity prevention or dental hygiene.

One of the ways we fight against tooth decay in vulnerable teeth is by using a sealant. We apply a BPA-free plastic resin to the chewing surfaces of your permanent teeth, bonding into the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from bacteria, plaque, and acids.  Sealants are common among children and teens because decay is more likely to first develop in these areas of the mouth.

Fillings are one of the simplest ways for us to repair worn, damaged, or decayed teeth. We use various restorative options depending on what’s best for you, including metal alloy, plastic, or porcelain.

A root canal is the treatment of the inside of the tooth, removing damaged tissue and infection if present. We know few dental procedures sound as scary as root canal therapy, but as technology has improved so has the process, making it a much more comfortable experience. We offer this service here, or will refer you to excellent specialists in Duluth.

Today’s braces and retainers are a big improvement over those in the past: more choices, less pain, and, if you want, nearly invisible. Dr. Hedstrom began offering orthodontic services in 2013 through coursework with the American Orthodontic Society. Her approach focuses on guiding adult teeth into their proper position at an early age in order to correct protruding, crowding, or misaligned/irregularly spaced teeth. Ask us what we can do to improve your smile! We also continue to offer referrals to the Orthodontists in Duluth.

Implants are a great option when you are trying to replace one or more missing teeth. Both Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Pat offer implant placement and restoration options, employing 3D digital treatment planning to ensure safe and reliable results.