If you’re hoping to maintain a confident and strong set of teeth for life, establishing a routine of quality preventive dentistry care is essential. This includes both practicing oral hygiene at home and attending regular appointments here at RiverPlace Dental! Dr. McInnis offers several services that are designed to stop dental problems in their tracks early on and even help you avoid them altogether, potentially saving you a lot of cost and time down the road. To get started with a dental checkup and teeth cleaning, contact our Portland, OR office today.
Even patients who brush twice and floss once every single day without fail can end up falling victim to dental problems that may not be noticeable right away. That’s where our team comes in! We strongly recommend scheduling regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings every six months.
During these visits, Dr. McInnis will take a close look at every part of your oral health – including teeth, gums, jawbone, bite, existing restorations like crowns or fillings, and more – and pinpoint any signs of possible trouble, recommending treatment where necessary. Her goal is to find the plan of action that best fits your personal needs and helps you achieve the smile of your dreams as well. Additionally, a professional teeth cleaning will help get rid of stubborn plaque and tartar, which are both prone to causing harm to your oral health over time. Our team will find every nook and cranny and leave your teeth feeling wonderfully refreshed!
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Are any of the following symptoms familiar to you?
These warning signs point towards the presence of gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, this infection has a tendency to start out small but worsen quickly over time, harming your gum tissue, your jawbone, and even your permanent teeth. Thankfully, Dr. McInnis will be able to spot it early on!
Periodontal screenings are an essential part of every regular dental checkup, and effective therapy options are available as well if we find any troubling signs that need to be dealt with. For instance, our scaling and root planing procedure will help us get rid of accumulations of plaque under the gum tissue and along the tooth roots, leaving your smile safe and fully revitalized.
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Sometimes, food particles can find their way into the deep groves of your back teeth, sticking around even after brushing and flossing. The premolars and molars are difficult to reach in the back of the mouth (especially for younger patients), so this is understandable.
In order to give patients an extra boost of protection against cavities in these vulnerable areas, Dr. McInnis may recommend the placement of dental sealants. Sealants are thin plastic-based coatings that are much tougher than they appear. Once we’ve applied them to the tooth’s chewing surfaces, they’ll block out food and harmful plaque from settling in.
Are you a seasoned athlete? Does your sport of choice include physical contact between players, objects, or hard surfaces? If the answer is “yes,” investing in a custom-made sportsguard is crucial for the ongoing health of your smile. Many patients don’t know this, but sports-related injuries are some of the most common dental emergencies! Instead of grabbing a “one size fits all” appliance off the shelves, let Dr. McInnis create one that’s perfect for your unique mouth. Your new mouthguard will feel durable, comfortable, and flexible within the mouth, allowing you to stay focused on the big game.
Did you know that on average, one person dies from oral cancer every hour? This health problem is no laughing matter, but there is a silver lining – early stages of oral cancer have a very high rate of recovery. That’s why Dr. McInnis prioritizes screenings during her patients’ regular dental checkups. She’ll take a close look in your mouth, searching for strange crusts, slowly healing sores, and white/red spots of skin, which are all common indications of cancerous cells. If she finds anything alarming, she’ll help you take the next steps towards a proper diagnosis and treatment right away.
Fluoride is a natural mineral, and one that’s been shown through research to have positive effects on oral health over time. For instance, adults who grow up drinking fluoridated water on a regular basis tend to have stronger teeth and experience fewer cavities than their not-so-lucky counterparts on average. If you aren’t a fan of tap water, that’s no problem. Dr. McInnis can provide professional fluoride applications during regular appointments so that her patients can reap these valuable benefits over time.