Oral Cancer Screening
Screenings for oral cancer are typically performed through visual or tactile exams to detect signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions in the mouth. Annual screenings are recommended for those over the age of 16 and are especially necessary if a patient has a family history of oral cancer or use tobacco and/or alcohol.
The dentist will look for red or white patches or sores in the mouth and may also use gloves to feel for lumps or other irregularities in the mouth and gums. Some dentists also use a blue dye to color abnormal cells in the mouth. Other dentists utilize a light to facilitate screenings; the healthy tissue will look dark and abnormal tissue will appear white. After these are done, a dentist may also recommend a follow-up visit for a more in-depth exam or a biopsy to test cells in the mouth for the presence of cancer cells.
Ask your dentist about screening for oral cancer at your next visit.
Botox
Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as BOTOX®, is a purified and diluted bacterial protein that blocks certain nerve impulses. As a result, muscles in the face relax through paralysis or weakening. Although BOTOX® is more widely known for its cosmetic purposes, it is also used in dentistry to treat certain dental and muscle conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMJD). BOTOX® is injected into facial muscles with results usually appearing within a week.
BOTOX® is a safe, low-risk procedure that provides noticeable results lasting up to 3 months for most individuals. BOTOX® treatments can smooth and prevent wrinkles of the head and neck, treat pain caused by muscle spasm of the jaws, relieve stress from TMJDs or chronic headaches, reduce the severity of jaw clenching, tightening, and grinding, calm hyperactive muscles that cause 'gummy smiles,' and help retrain muscles around new dentures for a successful transition. When administered successfully, the majority of patients who receive BOTOX® injections find swift relief and can even prevent future pain.
It is important to emphasize that BOTOX® has temporary results which vary depending on the patient's lifestyle, their skin type, facial anatomy, and other individual factors. BOTOX® injections are elective procedures requiring a signed informed consent form and an extended conversation with your doctor. The injections themselves typically take 15-20 minutes to administer. Please contact us for a BOTOX® consultation to find out if BOTOX® is the right option for you.
Guided Biofilm Therapy
Dental biofilm, more commonly known as plaque, are communities of sticky, colorless bacteria that live on the surface of the teeth and gums. Biofilm is the major culprit behind tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections which can also result in an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease as well as arthritis and diabetes. Regular brushing and flossing keeps biofilm from thriving and is essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing other issues. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a more systematic approach to removing biofilm that guarantees effective removal. Some dentists rely solely on GBT for cleanings as it is minimally invasive and completely cleans the teeth of biofilm in 8 main steps.
1. Assessment
- The dentist will begin by assessing the overall health of the teeth, rinsing the mouth with mouthwash, determining whether or not the mouth is healthy enough to proceed, and observing any underlying issues.
2. Visibility
- Because biofilm is invisible to the plain eye, coloring is applied to the teeth to make biofilm visible for cleaning and increased awareness.
3. Awareness
- A key part of GBT is allowing the patient to be part of the process, allowing them to see where biofilm builds up on their teeth and discussing personalized home care advice that can best restrict the growth of biofilm.
4. AIRFLOW® Cleaning and Polishing
- As the cleaning process begins, the teeth are painlessly cleaned and polished at the same time with AIRFLOW®, removing stains and biofilm build-up together.
5. PerioFlow® Deep Cleaning
- The second step of cleaning utilizes PerioFlow® to thoroughly remove biofilm below the gumline.
6. PIEZON® Final Cleaning
- The final cleaning step gently removes built-up calculus (tartar) from the teeth without the irritating noise that typically is heard during calculus removal.
7. Final Check
- A final quality control check is done to make sure all biofilm and calculus have been removed.
8. Scheduling Follow-ups
- Based on the health of your teeth and your lifestyle needs and requirements, the dentist will work with you to plan future GBT treatments to remove biofilm and calculus.
In GBT, pressurized water, air, and powder all work together to remove biofilm and tartar rather than the conventional approach of scraping the teeth with sharp dental tools. A GBT session normally takes up to an hour and your teeth may appear brighter due to in-depth cleaning. Ask your dentist if GBT is right for you.
BioLaser Services
At Virginia Dental Center, we offer BIOLASE® laser technology for an array of minimally invasive dental or periodontal treatments. BIOLASE® is used by thousands of practices globally and manufactures all-tissue and soft-tissue lasers with a variety of purposes. The soft-tissue laser we utilize has three main usages: soft-tissue surgery, teeth whitening, and pain therapy.
Soft-tissue Surgery: BIOLASE® uses a class IV diode laser to cut through or remove soft tissues with minimal to no patient discomfort. Many different procedures may utilize BIOLASE® to achieve less bleeding and additional precision when manipulating the soft tissues of the mouth.
Laser-Assisted Teeth Whitening: In-office teeth whitening using the BIOLASE® laser can be done in as little as 20 minutes while still providing dramatic results. The laser can safely create long-lasting, brighter smiles by quickly activating and accelerating bleaching agents, typically concentrated hydrogen peroxide, to break down discoloration on teeth and can directly interact with pigments in the teeth to remove blemishes
Pain Therapy: To temporarily relieve muscle and joint pain or stiffness as well as combatting arthritic pain and muscle spasms and sprains, BIOLASE® can warm tissues in the mouth to increase blood circulation and relax muscles. BIOLASE®, like BOTOX® treatments, can temporarily alleviate pain resulting from Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJs/TMJDs) and other thermomandibular disorders.
Ask your doctor if BIOLASE® services are right for your smile.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a widely used type of specialized X-ray imaging that can capture detailed, 3D images of bones in the head, neck, and jaw. CBCT works by shooting a cone-shaped X-ray beam at the patient and moving it around the face to collect many images. CBCT assists dentists in planning procedures and evaluating diseases which might affect the bony structures of the face, nose, and jaw. CBCT exposes the patient to a lower amount of radiation than traditional CT scans while also giving dentists better, more informative images than 2D X-rays typically allow for. CBCT also differs from conventional CT scans as it does not capture information about soft tissue structures.
Because the bone structures of our faces and jaws are complex and close together, CBCT is ideal for a wide variety of diagnostic imaging and treatment planning when dentists need to see more than traditional dental X-rays. CBCT can provide detailed images which reveal issues such as impacted teeth, tumors, bone loss, dental fractures or avulsions (knocked-out teeth), gum disease, Temporomadibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMJD), and more. Thanks to its 3D imaging, CBCT also helps to evaluate the size and shape of the jaw and its position, sinuses, nasal cavity, and nerve canals.
CBCT scanning is painless and noninvasive. No radiation remains in the patient's body after the exam. Your doctor will use this technology when regular dental or facial X-rays are insufficient.
iTero Scanning
ITero scanners are intraoral handheld imaging devices which help dentists create hyper-detailed 3D images of the mouth and teeth. These scanners are widely used in orthodontics, but have important restorative dentistry applications as well.
ITero scans can be compared over time to identify specific areas of dental wear, movement, and gum changes. They can also be used to help patients envision what their teeth will look like after restorative treatment. ITero scanners can take painless, fast impressions of the mouth, cutting down appointment times while still taking high-quality images that dentists can use to get to know your smile better.
An iTero Wellness Scan is a fast, comfortable, and non-invasive digital scan that captures a detailed 3D image of your entire mouth—including both hard tissues (like your teeth) and soft tissues (such as your gums). This scan creates a precise digital record of your current oral health, providing a valuable baseline that can be monitored over time. This scan can also assess overall health and identify potential problems before they become serious.
By updating the scan periodically, we can track changes in your mouth and detect early signs of oral health concerns. This includes identifying whether a condition is worsening or remaining stable, such as gum recession, tooth wear, or shifting teeth.
GLO Whitening
GLO grants thousands of dental professionals the ability to offer individually tailored teeth whitening.
An initial color scan is used to assess the pre-treatment state and shade of the teeth as well as to identify the patient's ideal coloring. Beginning the whitening process, GLO uses spectrophotometry to calculate the precise color and underlying tones of the teeth before designing a personalized whitening plan. When necessary, GLO can combine in-office and at-home treatment for a two-pronged whitening approach. In less than 20 minutes of in-office treatment, GLO's specialized hydrogen peroxide formula can brighten up to 12 shades whiter without inducing dental sensitivity. After the gums and lips are covered, the heat-and-light mouthpiece activates the whitening agent and quickly decomposes discolored pigment in the teeth.
The post-treatment vVardis Enamel Serum mimics natural processes using a Hydroxyapatite500 formula to build new, white enamel in a week, helping to protect enamel health while also preventing against stains. GLO is vegan, sustainable, and safe for the teeth. However, it is not permanent and may require follow-up treatment in 6 months.
If you are interested in personalized teeth whitening, talk to your doctor to find out about whitening options that are right for you.
Isolight
Isolight is an advanced system that relaxes the jaw, prevents muscle and joint fatigue, prevents gagging and water accumulation in the throat. It works to remove water from your mouth, while simultaneously providing light for your dentist to see their work. By having the light source on the Isolight tool, you don’t have to deal with a bright light in your eyes during your visit.
Schedule your next family dentist visit
Contact our office today to learn how we can help achieve your family’s oral health goals. Whether you’re in need of a preventive appointment or want to completely makeover your smile, Virginia Dental Center can give you a smile you’re happy with.
Call us at (877) 696-9119
