A minimally-invasive approach to dental care.

Using scientific advances and leveraging technology, we do more while treating less. The heart of minimally invasive dentistry lies in the ultimate respect for dental tissues, i.e. the enamel, dentin, and pulp. Combining various preventive protocols with minimally invasive treatments such as air abrasion, remineralization, sealants, inlays/onlays, etc. we preserve natural tooth structure and achieve more while treating less.

• We hope to see you twice yearly for regular exams and cleanings.
• Keeping up your regular visits helps us catch small problems before they progress.

Oral Hygiene

Did you know that plaque can start to harden into tartar in as little as 24 hours? Yikes! That means if you’re not brushing and flossing effectively, you have tartar building up on your teeth and below your gum line every single day. Did you know only your North Liberty dentist has the tools to remove tartar buildup? ​

Our hygiene team is friendly and gentle for a more comfortable dental cleaning—we’ll try not to ask you questions while we’re working in your mouth! If your gums are bleeding (which means you have gingivitis) or you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis) we can provide regular deep cleanings below the gum line. ​

Am I doing this right? ​

Unless you struggle with chronic tooth decay or gum disease, it can be hard to know if your brushing and flossing techniques are as effective as they could be. We love to teach patients of all ages about proper oral hygiene, so keep reading and ask us about hygiene techniques at your next appointment! ​

• Hold your toothbrush so the bristles contact your gum line at a 45-degree angle and brush in small circular motions.
• Curve floss in a c-shape around each tooth and under the gum line, using a new section of floss between each tooth.
• Rinse with water after eating or drinking, and throughout the day to minimize acidity and plaque buildup (and before brushing to prevent enamel damage).

Gum Disease

You’ve heard of “The Big C” (cancer), but have you heard about “The Big G” (gum disease)? We don’t want to alarm you, because the reality is that MOST American adults suffer from some level of gum disease. But the reality is also that chronic gum disease dramatically increases your risk for serious systemic issues including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

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Gum disease is largely a result of poor oral hygiene. A bacterial infection that lives beneath the gum tissue, gum disease begins as gingivitis with bleeding gums, and progresses into periodontitis where gums recede and deep pockets form, eventually leading to tooth and bone loss.

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Do you have gum disease?

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, the answer is unfortunately yes. In more advanced stages, you might also notice redness, swelling, tenderness, bad taste or bad breath, or other signs of infection. The good news is, we can help!

• If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, we will want to see you more regularly for deep cleanings and exams.
• Scaling and root planing is the technical term for a periodontal deep cleaning, reaching below the gum line to remove the infection and tartar buildup.
• We will also prescribe you professional-strength homecare products to treat the infection and create a healthier oral environment.