Dental Services

The Rock River Community Clinic in Fort Atkinson provides basic dental health services to uninsured and Medicaid patients in Jefferson County communities.

Preventive Services

Exams and X-Rays

Proper examination is the first and most important step in any dental practice. Here we make sure to identify any existing issues as well as determine if there are any underlying issues which can be prevented that can affect your well-being.

Dental x-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These x-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This can help your dentist to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. Dental x-rays may seem complex, but they are actually very common tools that are just as important as your teeth cleanings.

Dental Screening/Cleanings

The hygienist will begin by performing a check on your teeth and gums and requesting information regarding your overall health and medical history. Following this they will clean and polish your teeth, also sharing steps to oral health. When your exam and cleaning is completed, they will discuss any treatment you might need and answer any questions you may have.

We encourage you to schedule a dental visit every six months. The American Dental Association recommends a visit to your dentist every six months. Regular check-ups will help assure dental health and overall health. They will help to identify any problems and our dentists will assist you in devising a plan to keep your healthy smile, avoiding any larger issues.

Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars/premolars). These can help prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food.

Oral Cancer Screenings

An oral cancer screening is fast and painless. Its objective is to identify small changes in the lining tissues of the mouth, lips and tongue that may signify the early stages of this type of cancer. The screening is primarily a visual and tactile (touch) examination. If any abnormalities are noted, a small tissue sample can be retrieved for further testing in a laboratory.

Additional Services

Fillings

Dental fillings will be completed as quickly and painlessly as possible. The dentist will remove all decayed and unhealthy areas of the tooth to prevent further tooth decay. As your dental health partner, we want to help you to prevent cavities and keep your smile healthy.

To help prevent cavities, always brush twice a day, in the morning and evening. Remember to floss to remove plaque from between teeth. Your dental health is a part of your overall health. To help aid your overall health, also remember to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that will stick between your teeth, and limit foods and beverages that are high in sugar like sodas and juices. Reach for water instead!

Root Canals

A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells, which explains why a problem here may cause you to feel intense pain. In time, the pain may go away…at least temporarily. Without treatment, however, the infection won’t. It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.

Tooth Extractions

The main goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when it is in your best interest (or your child’s) to have a tooth extracted (removed). This could be the case for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a tooth that has been severely damaged by trauma or decay; or an impacted wisdom tooth that may cause trouble for you later on. Additionally, your teenager may soon undergo orthodontic treatment and needs more space for his adult teeth, which is referred to as crowding.

Or, your younger child has a baby tooth that’s stubbornly adhering, even though it’s past time for it to go. Whatever the reason, tooth extraction is more often than not a routine procedure. How straightforward this minor surgery is will depend on where the tooth to be extracted is located in the mouth, and what its roots are like. At times, we may need to refer you to an Oral Surgeon.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy can take various forms, but the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Gum (periodontal) disease can spread from the gums to the bone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss in the most severe cases. Effective ways that our office helps to combat this are; scalings (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line.

These services are currently available at the Fort Atkinson clinic.