Preventative Care

We provide you dental cleanings and preventive dentistry. A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office our dental team to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.  

Dental X-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
• Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

1. Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
2. Oral cancer screening: Check the face, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
3. Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
4. Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
5. Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is gingivitis and is the start of periodontal disease!

Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Nightguards are oral devices you wear to prevent grinding your teeth at night and even could get rid of it all together. Grinding your teeth is a serious habit that is hard to break and can cause many problems such as headaches, earaches, chipped or fractured teeth and TMJ disorders. Wearing a nightguard has so many benefits.  A custom-made nightguard will effectively protect your teeth from grinding ensuring that you wake up without jaw or tooth pain