While other dental offices are eager to “drill and fill” at the first sign of a dental problem, the team at New Haven Dental Group works diligently to prevent those problems from occurring in the first place. Thanks to our skilled hygiene team and dentists, our patients are able to avoid oral health problems so they can spend less time in the dental chair and more time simply enjoying a healthy mouth. To schedule your next appointment for preventive dentistry in Hamden, contact us today.
Comprehensive checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth, and we go a step beyond the average dental office with these routine services. We will do more than just examine your teeth and gums; we will also look at your TMJ, as well as take X-rays and intraoral photographs so that we are able to spot any signs of decay or damage as early as possible. Then, a member of our hygiene team will give you a thorough cleaning that removes harmful plaque and tartar from even the hardest to reach areas of your mouth.
The back teeth, with their broad and grooved surfaces, are especially vulnerable to cavities because they can be challenging to clean. Fortunately, we can keep them safe with dental sealants. We simply apply a clear plastic coating to the enamel. It quickly hardens into an invisible but strong barrier that prevents plaque, tartar, and bacteria from harming the teeth. Dental sealants are recommended particularly for young children.
Unfortunately, many individuals are plagued by unconscious teeth grinding while they slumber — a condition known as bruxism. This can cause jaw pain and wear down or even break the teeth. A nightguard provides an effective and simple solution. It is a custom-made oral appliance worn to bed that places a thin barrier between the teeth, thus protecting them from themselves. That way, a patient can rest easy and prevent serious dental problems.
Athletes of all ages and levels of play should always wear a mouthguard when they participate in sports, whether or not the game involves contact! Rather than forcing yourself or your child to wear an uncomfortable store-bought appliance, ask us about getting a custom mouthguard. Our sportsguards are designed to fit snugly around an athlete’s unique teeth, leading to a superior fit and higher quality protection that you can rely on while you are tearing up the court or field.
Oral cancer is a potentially deadly disease that afflicts tens of thousands of people each year. It is also easy to miss when it is in its early stages. Nothing gets past our team’s sharp eyes, however. We perform an oral cancer screening during every routine checkup. That way, if we notice any cause for concern, we can ensure that you are able to get the care you need as quickly as possible.
In its early stages, oral cancer can be deceptively subtle in the symptoms it presents. It may even seem like signs of a cold or common mouth irritation. Therefore, it is important that you keep a close eye on your oral health and pay attention to signs like:
Our team is well-trained to identify such issues, so it is often easier for us to identify areas of concern than it is for patients. That is why an annual professional screening is so important!
Our team carefully checks for any signs of cancer. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other oral tissues for discolored or oddly shaped patches of skin. We will also gently touch (palpate) your lymph nodes and other areas to check for symptoms that may not be apparent during a visual examination.
We may ask you some questions to help us identify risk factors. If you smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, or have had cancer in the past, be sure to let us know. You should also alert us to things like changes in appetite, unexplained weight fluctuations, and other unusual symptoms.
An oral cancer screening is fast, painless, and non-invasive. We do not have to use a lot of pressure when we are palpating, and we work quickly so your appointment does not stretch on for too long.
Usually, one of our talented hygienists performs the screenings. You can ask your hygienist any questions you have about the process.
If they identify any causes of concern, our team will advise you on your next steps. We cannot provide a firm diagnosis of oral cancer, but we can refer you for additional testing. You might need a biopsy to determine whether suspicious areas are cancerous or benign.
You will find fluoride in many toothpastes, municipal water sources, and… our dental office! This mineral is nature’s gift to your teeth. When it contacts tooth enamel, it instantly strengthens the enamel and improves its resistance to cavities. We recommend that you use fluoridated oral hygiene products at home, and we can provide you with a topical fluoride treatment whenever you come to see us, giving you yet another weapon in the battle against tooth decay.
Our dental office has been around for more than 40 years, which means many patients who first visited us as children are now bringing their own little ones to come see us! We love to serve the next generation, and our team has experience working with children of all ages. Our friendly team is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our youngest patients always have a pleasant time at the dentist. Regular exams and cleanings will help keep your child’s teeth decay-free year after year.
While the teeth can develop cavities if they do not receive proper care, the gums can develop an infection called periodontal (gum) disease. This can spell serious problems for an individual’s oral and overall health. Fortunately, we are more than able to fight gum disease here at New Haven Dental Group. Using frequent gum screenings, deep cleanings, and antibiotic therapy, we can help patients eliminate harmful bacteria and get their oral health back on track.
Learn More About Periodontal Therapy
We see nervous patients every day. In most cases, our warm and welcoming atmosphere is enough to soothe any anxiety. However, for patients with more persistent dental phobia, sedation dentistry is an option. Using either nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or a prescribed medication, we can help even the most fearful patient feel relaxed during their appointments — regardless of what kind of procedure they need. Our options are gentle and safe enough for almost anyone, including both children and adults.
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
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