Dr. Nugent’s goals are simple- to provide high quality dental care to all generations and treat patients like they are part of our own family. Our office believes that patients should have the necessary information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options and choice of dental office.
Preventive dental care is vital throughout your life, no matter what your age is. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with our office, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
Prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. An electric toothbrush is preferred. Furthermore, be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
- Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Cavity inducing bacteria lingers between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Dental Examination
The first part of a new patient general dentist visit is a full mouth X-rays which allows Dr. Nugent to evaluate the health of your teeth and underlying jaw structure. Next, Dr. Nugent examines each tooth for cavities, plaque and damage. A periodontal (gum tissue) evaluation will be performed to determine the status of your gum tissue. This will determine the type of cleaning you need. Two different oral cancer screenings will be performed. Dr. Nugent will discuss all his findings and together with you determine the best way to get you back to dental health.
Dental Cleaning
Dental cleanings are conducted by one of our gentle and caring dental hygienists. It is recommended for adults to brush their teeth three times a day and floss once daily. Most patients fall short of these recommendation. Even the most hygiene-dedicated patients will not ever achieve the same results as a cleaning from one of our trained dental hygienists.
Tooth Fillings
A white composite filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay. The decayed portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled back to its original shape with a cosmetic white filling. No silver ugly fillings here! White composite fillings are tooth colored, they match the color of existing teeth. and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.
