Dental center offers friendly, precision services near Lemoore, CA to keep your family healthy

It is not an overstatement to say that people with good oral health are less likely to develop clogged arteries and blood clots and have better blood sugar control than their diabetic counterparts with gum disease. Research implicates oral infections in the development of many serious, systemic conditions. So, the consequences of dental disease aren’t limited to the mouth.

Offering painless general and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family, Dr. Nikunj Raiyani looks forward to getting to know you and your loved ones. Accordingly, dental services near Lemoore to keep your family healthy are highly personalized and high-tech. You benefit from precision, tailored care at Hanford Family Dental Center that accounts for your unique risks, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

Cleanings

At your next check-up, the dentist and hygienist will look for plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline, as well as pockets where gums may be pulling away from the teeth. These pockets harbor all sorts of bacteria, food debris, and the sticky plaque that can harden into tartar. That tartar irritates gum tissue and calls for professional cleaning, as it can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. Our friendly hygienists have extensive training and continuing education on how to effectively clean your mouth with specialized dental instruments. These cleanings are scheduled at least every six months, and usually precede your dentist’s dental exam.

Dental exams

Sophisticated technologies are a great complement to our knowledgeable staff. Hanford Family Dental Center uses digital X-rays to offer insight into oral structures that can’t be seen with visual inspection alone. Our patients also appreciate that this precision imaging emits much lower radiation than standard X-rays – 50 pecent less exposure than conventional equipment! These images are great analytical tools, as the dentists use them to monitor for conditions and healthy development from one visit to the next. Intraoral cameras do much more than capture images of the teeth; real-time video is rendered of oral structures that can then be shared with you. This data helps shape treatment plans, as well as your understanding of conditions you may not have realized that you had – such as cavities or a leaking, worn filling.

Fillings

DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection locates areas of decay that the naked eye or even X-rays can’t – in its earliest form when Drs. Raiyani and Marwaha are able to resolve problems conservatively. With early detection, you may not need a filling, or a simple filling may be all you need. Later-stage decay requires more extensive restorative care, such as root canal therapy and crowns. Generally, composite or amalgam dental materials are applied and bonded to “fill in” areas of decay after natural tooth structure is prepared.

Extractions

Every effort is made to work with patients to help them retain their natural teeth; however, extraction is a must should complications arise from conditions such as impacted wisdom teeth. Modern extractions by our skilled professionals are straightforward. The area is numbed, so you don’t feel anything. The trouble tooth is then accessed and loosened for gentle and easy removal. We’ll provide instructions on what to do afterwards, to ensure the extraction site heals as it should. Your dentist will also discuss our many options for lifelike tooth replacement.

Pediatric dental sealants

These thin layers of dental plastic may be recommended as soon as the molars at the back of the mouth first begin to erupt, at around age 6. This early preventive service is easy, affordable (often covered by dental plans) and effective. The American Dental Association reports sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay in molars by around 80 percent. Molars are prone to decay, because they’re harder to reach and have grooves and pits that trap food. Your child’s dentist will check that sealants remain bonded well to the teeth during routine check-ups.

Night guards for teeth grinding

Bruxism refers to grinding and clenching of teeth. Drs. Raiyani and Marwaha know their patients are bruxers because the damage shows up during a visual inspection of the teeth. It’s not unusual for us to see:

• Chips
• Cracks and fractures
• Worn-down fillings and crowns
• Disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull

Many of these patients will complain about nagging symptoms, such as tension headaches, and jaw and facial pain. Oral appliance therapy with a splint or mouthguard (like a sports guard) may be recommended. The appliance is customized to your mouth and made from a durable material. It’s a great value to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile, and to feel better again – relief from TMJ-related symptoms!

To find out more about these services and the many others that are available in Hanford, CA for the health of your family, call (559) 530-8080.