Hygiene - Buehler Family Dentistry

Dental Hygiene (with some airway
awareness) at Buehler Family Dental

We prioritize creating an environment where every patient feels comfortable, seen, heard, and acknowledged. We believe that a compassionate and understanding approach is key to delivering exceptional care and building lasting relationships.

I want patients to realize that there is a reason we ask so many questions and spend so much time reviewing individual health histories. We are not just here to look at your teeth, or tell you if you have cavities or gum disease. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and as such should not be treated independently of other body systems. This is what we mean about “holistic care”. Spending time educating our patients on the mouth-body connection is something we do at every appointment.

- Dr. Buehler

During your hygiene appointment you will experience a comprehensive approach to dental care. Here’s a detailed look at what will happen during your first appointment:

Extended Data Gathering Process

Expect your first hygiene appointment to last about two hours. We use this time to gather a lot of useful data including x-rays, gum measurements, intra-oral photos and digital scans to help us show you what we see. Obtaining all of this information helps us to tailor treatment and formulate a plan with options that best suit each patient’s unique needs.

Traditional Dental Hygiene Practices

Your appointment includes essential dental hygiene practices such as teeth cleaning, scaling (if necessary), and polishing. We also conduct a thorough assessment of your gums and periodontal health to ensure the health of your gums and the foundational structures of your teeth. Oral cancer exams are completed at each hygiene visit.

Holistic Dental Health and Wellness

We understand the connection between the health of your mouth in relation to your overall health. The mouth does not exist as a separate entity from the body, and understanding the effects of oral health on overall health is a key component on the path to wellness.

Utilizing Advanced Imaging Technology

All of our x-rays are digital and emit the lowest amount of radiation possible. Our hand-held units don’t even require the assistant or hygienist to leave the room during exposure. Our Planmeca ProMax 3D Ultra Low Dose delivers a proprietary low dose 3D imaging that enables CBCT imaging with an even lower patient radiation dose than standard panoramic imaging.

Natural and Safe Treatment Options with Airway Consideration

Embracing Early Intervention: Our foundational approach prioritizes early treatment and prevention through facial and airway development using palatal expansion and oral myofunctional therapy. We focus on developing the face to accommodate natural teeth alignment, referring out to specialists when necessary, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Did You Know?

Periodontitis affects over 60% of older adults, with 10% to 15% experiencing severe conditions. This widespread prevalence underscores the importance of regular dental care and periodontal disease prevention.

(“Periodontitis prevalence in adults ≥ 65 years of age, in the USA.” P. Eke, Liang Wei, W. Borgnakke, et al. 2016)

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer, which are responsible for 70% of U.S. deaths, have been linked to oral health issues.

(“Nutrition, Oral Health, and Chronic Diseases Inextricably Linked” Teresa Marshall 2021)

The bacteria and inflammatory mediators from periodontitis can enter the circulatory system, potentially contributing to various systemic diseases.

(“Role of oxidative stress in the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases” Jiaxin Shang, Haifeng Liu, Youli Zheng, Zheng Zhang 2023)

There is a well-established bi-directional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, and conversely, periodontal inflammation contributes to poor glycemic control and the development of type 2 diabetes.

(“The Bidirectional Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus—A Review” I. Păunică, M. Giurgiu, A. Dumitriu, et al. 2023)

Periodontal disease has been linked to a range of systemic conditions, including:

Diabetes

Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity

Eating Disorders

Liver disease

Cardiovascular Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Adverse Pregnancy
Outcomes

Cancer

At Buehler Family Dental

Your hygiene appointment is an integral part of a broader, patient-centered approach to dental and airway care. We are committed to ensuring your visit not only benefits your oral health but also positively contributes to your overall well-being and airway function.

Dental Hygiene (with some airwayawareness) at Buehler Family Dental