Oral Examination
Regular dental checkups and x-rays are fundamental for the best possible oral health. During each dental exam, Dr. Arend, your choice for the very best dental care East Portland has, will perform a routine screening for oral cancer and gum disease, as well as evaluating the general condition of each tooth for optimum dental health. We recommend that each patient visit our office every six months. For those with specialized treatment needs, visits may be scheduled more frequently.
Professional Dental Hygiene
Periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis and gum disease, is a serious threat to dental health in adults. Working together with one of our experienced hygienists at East Portland Dentistry is an essential part of maintaining your dental health and preventing the development of periodontal disease.
While plaque build-up can be removed through daily brushing and flossing, there are surfaces of your teeth that you cannot reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. A professional cleaning by one of our licensed dental hygienists at East Portland Dentistry will ensure the very best removal of plaque, tartar, and calculus to prevent any possible future loss of gum tissue and bone as a result of periodontal disease.
At-Home Dental Hygiene
Thorough teeth brushing and flossing daily are the best ways to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. With all the products and techniques available, deciphering what is best can be confusing.
Dr. Arend and our knowledgeable team at East Portland Dentistry are available to instruct our patients regarding appropriate at-home care to maintain a healthy smile for life.
Fluoride Treatment
Dentist in Gateway Portland, Dr. Arend may decide that fluoride should be part of your overall treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance proven beneficial to developing and already formed teeth. It can re-mineralize teeth, stop developing cavities and make your teeth more resistant to acid, plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth.
Tooth Sealants
Food particles and plaque can collect in the pits and grooves of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing often cannot reach these areas. In some cases, tooth sealants can be applied as a protective coating, often lasting 3 or more years.
Tooth sealants are proven to decrease the incidence and extent of decay, especially in newly erupted molars and premolars. Dr. Arend or one of our hygienists can provide this simple procedure in one visit.
Mouth Guards
A mouth guard can protect you or your child’s teeth from injury due to many causes. Custom-made guards fit and support the teeth, gum, and bones. Fabricated in less than one week, mouth guards made in our office are comfortable and smoothly formfitting.
Sports guards protect the dentition during contact sports such as football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. Statistics show one out of three boys and one out of four girls will experience a dental sports injury by the time they finish high school. A custom fitting sports guard can prevent or minimize these injuries.
Night guards/bruxism guards can protect the teeth from the damaging effects of night or daytime clenching and grinding. If you suspect that you grind or clench your teeth, Dr. Arend can make this simple appliance that can save you thousands of dollars in future reparative dental treatment.
