Dr. Kruse recommends that certain procedures be performed at regular dental visits as part of your proper dental hygiene. This preventative dentistry prevents problems before they start, corrects routine problems before they worsen, and identifies serious oral problems so they can be properly treated.

Sealants protect teeth from tooth decay by adding a protective layer to keep out plaque.

Dr. Kruse encourages adult care and prevention that is focused on the fight against plaque, the preservation of natural tooth structure, and early the detection and treatment of serious oral problems.

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancers, so Dr. Kruse is the first line of defense.

Polishing is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling, and some restorative procedures. It smoothes and polishes teeth or restoration surface and removes some stains.

Regular dental cleanings by Dr. Kruse or his dental hygienist are part of a proper oral hygiene program. Cleanings help fight plaque, the major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and serious gum disease.

Regular dental exams are a crucial part of preventative dentistry because they allow Dr. Kruse to address dental problems in their early stages, and to identify serious problems. Most people need an exam every six months, but we may recommend more frequent visits depending on your circumstances.

X-rays take pictures called radiographs that show Dr. Kruse the interior of dental structures and tissues, like teeth, gums and bones. These allow them to make a more thorough examination than is possible with the naked eye, and can help spot problems that would otherwise go undetected and untreated.

Plaque that remains on teeth eventually hardens into tartar, which is virtually impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Scaling is the deep- cleaning procedure Dr. Kruse or a hygienist uses to scrape the tartar off your teeth at and below the gumline.