Family Dentistry
Spring Hill, FL
 DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care exists to provide dental care with expertise and compassion. Our office builds genuine relationships founded on excellent care for the whole family. From your basic cleaning and dental exam to products to help with sleep apnea and keeping teeth safe during sports, we have options for the whole family.
It is recommended by the American Dental Association that everyone, regardless of oral health, should visit the dentist twice a year. This routine check-up includes a cleaning and a dental exam.
The hygienist cleans off any plaque or tartar build-up and also applies a tooth polisher which smooths the tooth, making it harder for food to stick to your teeth. While we clean your teeth, we will also carefully examine for anything suspicious to your oral health, such as swelling, dentin, or tooth enamel softening.
In addition to checking for cavities and other minor complications, your exam will include checks for symptoms of oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screenings help identify symptoms early on when the cancer is easiest to treat. However, those at a higher risk for oral cancer should seek additional testing.
During the screening, we check for discolored spots, sores, or lumps, as well as examine the neck and throat. If any abnormality is found, additional testing may be recommended, such as an oral cancer screening light. If you have a history of excessive tobacco use, alcohol use, or a previous cancer diagnosis, please talk to us about getting tested for oral cancer.
According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists, parents should bring their children for their first dentist visit after developing their first tooth. This visit ensures that the child’s teeth are coming in correctly and their gums are developing properly. We have plenty of tips for parents about taking care of their child’s teeth and teaching healthy oral health habits.
While this may seem a bit early, it is fairly common for children who do not see the dentist before turning three years old to arrive at their first appointment with a cavity. That’s why we highly recommend beginning regular six-month appointments around their first birthday. Our staff is highly trained to work with children of all ages. Babies and toddlers will often have “knee-to-knee” appointments, where they sit in their parent's lap throughout the appointment.
Most dental sealant treatments benefit your molars, those hard-to-reach teeth in the back of your mouth. Not only are these teeth difficult to brush and floss, but they also have wide grooves that act as food particle traps.
To prevent cavities in the back of your mouth, we will paint on a clear covering made from biocompatible plastic materials directly onto the tooth enamel. This seal prevents food from getting stuck onto your teeth, meaning there is less plaque build-up. The process is painless and requires no anesthesia. Children will receive their first dental sealant when they hit elementary age.
Fluoride is a mineral added to water and toothpaste. Fluoride’s natural properties help strengthen teeth as well as fight harmful bacteria. While you do have a regular intake of fluoride through drinking water and regular teeth-brushing, a fluoride treatment will include a substance with a much higher concentration of fluoride. There are a variety of forms of fluoride treatment that they come in, and we will choose the best based on your oral health situation.
Only a few minutes are needed to paint the fluoride treatment directly onto your teeth. It is fast and painless and recommended for young children. After the fluoride treatment, be sure to avoid food and drink for about half an hour so the fluoride can fully set on your teeth. If you have a history of cavities, tooth or gum decay, ask us about our fluoride treatment recommendations.
Periodontal care simply refers to the care of your gums. While we commonly think just about our teeth when maintaining oral hygiene, the gums are just as important to your overall oral health care. Along with thorough, twice-daily brushing, be sure to floss before brushing for your gum health. Flossing reaches the areas around your gums that toothbrushes cannot.
Periodontal disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.
If you or your child plays a contact sport, please ask about a sports guard. Sports guards are a specific type of mouthguard to protect the teeth and gums if the mouth gets hit. If you or your child has braces, a special type of sports guard may be needed. Ask about what mouthguard is best for you.
If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may also recommend a nightguard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
Sleep apnea is the term for when breathing stops and starts throughout the night. Snoring, fatigue, and insomnia are all symptoms of sleep apnea. There are a few types of sleep apnea. First, there is obstructive sleep apnea. This is one of the most prevalent forms of this condition. The throat muscles relax to the point of collapsing and block the oxygen flow. Central sleep apnea is a neurological issue where the brain fails to regulate the muscles controlling breathing.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Obstructive and complex sleep apnea requires oral appliances to treat the disorder. A mold will be taken from your mouth, and we will order an appropriately fitting appliance. The appliance will stabilize the tongue or pull the lower jaw forward, allowing oxygen to freely flow through the mouth and throat.
For central sleep apnea, we may recommend a neurologist or specialist to evaluate and study your condition more specifically. There are several ways of treating central sleep apnea such as a CPAP, medication, supplemental oxygen, or possibly surgery which is why each case needs to be treated individually.
Please do not hesitate to contact DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care to ask more questions or set up an appointment. We are proud to provide excellent service for the whole family and cannot wait to meet yours! Call us at (352) 666-9898. |
