We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

We're very proud of our hygiene program. Our hygienists are incredibly skilled and passionate about what they do. Combined, they have nearly sixty years of serving patients in our practice and each has a loyal following. You can expect a thorough cleaning along with personalized instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home.

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of a healthy mouth. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. Our hygienists can even remove minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoridated, low-abrasion toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structures, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Dr. Schultze also prescribes x-rays based on our patient's specific dental situations to make sure we minimize radiation exposure while keeping your mouth healthy. We follow the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle, which means we won't take more x-rays than we think is necessary for your optimum oral health.

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride treatment and and ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your teeth, keeping your enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.

Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.

Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.

Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.

When left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. Gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss can occur without proper treatment, so scheduling regular checkups for treatment is essential. Our team can keep gum disease from compromising your smile through a variety of periodontal treatments, such as deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing). If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily, if you have persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or notice any changes in your bite, get in touch with us today. We'll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on a healthy path.

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

To get fitted for a night guard, you will receive a digital scan of your teeth and gums that we will use to custom-craft a mold that will then be sent to the lab. Your night guard will be created to match your exact specifications and measurements for a perfect fit. Night guards ease tension in your jaw, alleviating the painful headaches and preventing dental damage caused by clenching and grinding. Night guards can keep your smile healthy and help you get the restful sleep you need.

Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, we offer night guards that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.