Dental Cleaning & Consultation

During your hygiene cleanings with our hand-selected team of talented hygienists at Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent Dental Artistry, you can expect a thorough yet gentle experience. Several of our wonderful patients have known our team members for 25+ years and can attest to the level of trust and confidence they have in our practice for their dental health.

During your check-ups with Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent, you can expect a thorough, comprehensive exam as well as a listening ear to answer any of your questions/concerns regarding your dental health. We cater to you and to your smile!

At Dr. Thomas Sammons and Dr. Ann Laurent Dental Artistry, we are firm believers that preventative management at home in between dental appointments is key to superb dental health. Ultimately, the dental health of you and your children is the sum of daily lifestyle choices and habits. This is why it is so important to begin dental hygiene early with your children and to remember that it is never too early to start brushing once their teeth come in.

Making at-home dental hygiene something enjoyable for your children will give them positive experiences that will reduce their risk for dental phobia in the future. We cannot over emphasize the importance of a consistent home care routine for you and your family!

Brush twice daily (at least!) with fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles are more gentle to both your tooth structure and to your gums. Try holding your toothbrush at a 45* angle and using gentle, circular motions when brushing.

Floss daily before one of your brushing sessions. This will help you remove the plaque built up between your teeth that your toothbrush can miss. Unravel a new section of your floss for every tooth.

Do not rinse with water after brushing for thirty minutes because it washes off the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can incorporate into your teeth. Fluoride helps to protect teeth against cavities.

Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. children ages 6 to 12 currently have sealants on their teeth.

Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue, most patients quickly adapt to their presence.

The process of getting sealants is fast and painless. The tooth is cleaned before Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent paint the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will immediately harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to Dental Artistry will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.

While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.