With preventive dentistry, our team uses treatments and procedures to help you avoid the onset of serious oral health issues, so you enjoy a comfortable and beautiful smile. The preventive process can help patients of all ages, from kids to adults. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about our approach to preventive dentistry.
Starting with a Checkup
We want to see patients of all ages every six months for a checkup visit. When you sit down for an exam, we can ask you about your oral health habits and possible symptoms of trouble. We then take a close look at the smile with digital technology, so we can assess the cause and extent of your oral health issues. We watch for common problems like tooth decay and gum disease, as well as gingivitis and infection, TMJ disorder, and even bruxism (teeth grinding). We screen for oral cancer too, and for kids, we make sure baby teeth erupt and fall out as they should, so permanent teeth have a clear path to eruption.
Traditional and Perio Cleanings
In the same visit, we will conduct a dental cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. This helps lower the risk of cavities and periodontal issues, and also prevents bad breath and teeth stains. The process only takes a few minutes, and we then polish the teeth to brighten teeth and limit the ability of plaque and tartar to cling to the teeth.
If you have gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease, which could mean sore, red gums that bleed easily, then our team could help with a perio cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, this removes harmful plaque and tartar from both the surfaces of the teeth and the exposed roots, as well as underneath the gums too. This is more involved than a traditional one, so we may numb the smile and you could require multiple visits. We again complete it by polishing your smile, and may recommend traditional cleanings every three to four months.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Did you know with preventive dentistry we have a treatment that can stop cavities in the early stages, often preventing the need for a dental filling? When we catch the early stages of demineralization, we can offer silver diamine fluoride. When applied to the weakened enamel, this halts the rate of decay and prevents the cavity from growing, so you avoid discomfort, and in many cases, the need for a filling. The application only takes a few seconds!
Bruxism
What if you grind your teeth at night? We can help with preventive dentistry. Bruxism not only irritates your significant other, but could wear down tooth enamel and even crack or chip teeth. You become vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, and could experience pain in the face, head, and jaw. We can help with an oral appliance! This is a device that is worn like a mouthguard while you sleep. The appliance will be custom-made to ensure a proper fit and treatment with precision. This can reposition the jaw to ease pressure and strain, and places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to prevent further damage to your smile. The appliance is then easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too!
Children’s Dentistry
Our team offers children’s dentistry to help kids of all ages maintain good oral health. We also talk to them about good oral health habits and the importance of caring for their teeth and gums. Regular visits help prevent dental anxiety, and make your kids more likely to continue care as adults. Along with checkups and cleanings for kids, we have preventive treatments to help lower the risk of cavities. Fluoride can be applied to the teeth in seconds to strengthen the outer enamel and fight cavities. Dental sealants are a thin acrylic layer added to the rear teeth, which are difficult for kids to reach when they brush and floss. The application takes seconds, and they can stay in place for up to ten years, preventing cavities by keeping food and drink particles from being stuck between the rear teeth.
If you have any questions about preventive dentistry, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
We want to offer preventive dentistry to help you maintain good oral health and a shining smile! To schedule an appointment with Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, TX, call (214) 851-0130.
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