Preventive dental treatment services are essential to the health of your teeth and gums. No matter your age, these services will augment your dental health routine, helping defend against tooth decay and gum disease.
At All Smiles Dentistry, our expert team offers these preventive services:
A standard dental examination is the fastest and easiest way to stop dental problems before they start. During an examination, your dentist looks at your teeth, gums, and mouth from top to bottom, searching for any sign of issues. An examination is usually supported by x-rays. From the time you get your first tooth, examinations should be done twice a year.
Officially called prophylaxis, dental cleanings are among the most important parts of making sure your teeth stay healthy. Cleanings eliminate plaque on the teeth, halting the decay process. This includes areas between teeth and in the back of the mouth that are hard to reach. Dental cleanings should be performed twice a year during your dental examination.
Bitewing x-rays allow your dentist to review the upper and lower back teeth in a single x-ray image. This shows how well the back teeth are aligned and helps detect decay between the teeth. They can also demonstrate the extent of bone loss if severe gum disease has taken place. These x-rays should be performed once annually.
Periapical x-rays are used when your dentist needs to see an entire tooth – from the visible crown and the tooth root all the way down to the bones that anchor it. These x-rays are great for finding dental problems below the gum line. They can be used to diagnose serious problems like cysts, abscesses, and tumors. They should be done once a year.
Just as the name suggests, a panorex x-ray provides a complete diagnostic image of the whole mouth. That includes the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints of the jaw, and even the sinuses. Because it shows so much, it’s crucial in early diagnosis of dental problems. It should be performed once every three years or so starting in the early teens.
Various orthodontic appliances can be used to maintain healthy spacing of teeth or realign them to be straighter and stronger. All Smiles Dentistry offers a number of ways to straighten adult teeth. Retainers and mouth guards can also help. Space maintainers are used as needed based on information obtained from dental x-rays.
Fluoride is a natural compound that helps prevent tooth decay in both kids and adults. Because it is so safe and effective, many municipal water supplies have added fluoride. Toothpaste uses it as a main ingredient, as does mouthwash. Kids should have it applied directly at the dentist’s office – twice annually during exams and cleanings.
Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that can be applied directly to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant bonds over the nooks and crannies of the teeth, forming a protective shell that safeguards the tooth against decay. This makes it much easier to maintain the rear teeth, which can often develop cavities despite kids’ best efforts.
Regular preventive care protects you from decay, tooth loss, and gum disease. At All Smiles Dentistry, we make it easy – and even offer financing. To learn more or set an appointment, contact us.
“AMAZING!!!!!! Everyone is just amazing, definitely definitely will be the only dentist office I ever visit. Everyone just so full of life I love it.” – Whitney A.
Concerned about gum health? It’s never too late to get the care you need. Set an appointment or contact us today.
