What Services Does a Preventive Dentist Provide?

Preventive Dentistry Sunnyvale, TX

Seeing a preventive dentist, which is a dental health professional who focuses on the prevention of oral health issues, is an essential part of overall oral health maintenance. To help their patients keep their teeth and gums in good condition, a preventive dentist provides a range of treatments.

Services commonly provided by a preventive dentist

The following are some services that a preventive dentist typically offers their patients:

Routing dental checkup

Preventive dentists also provide routine dental checkups to look for early warning signs of dental issues and to clean the teeth. Checkups are cornerstones of what a preventive dentist offers. Every six months, patients should see the dentist for a checkup that includes a complete inspection of their teeth, gums, and mouth.

The dentist will look for cavities, gum disease, and any other oral health issues that may be affecting the patient during a dental exam,

Dentists that focus on prevention also provide diagnostic services to spot the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. The dentist may use x-rays to check for cavities or other problems that are not visible to the naked eye. The dentist could also utilize intraoral cameras and other diagnostic equipment to examine particular parts of the mouth in more detail.

Dental cleaning

Preventive dentists take routine dental cleanings seriously — and for good reason. Regular dental cleanings help keep cavities and gum disease at bay by removing plaque and tartar from teeth and along the gum line. The dentist could use polishing to get rid of superficial stains when cleaning the teeth.

Fluoride treatment

Preventive dentists also provide fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a mineral that can protect tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. A fluoride gel or varnish applied by the dentist after cleaning may help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants

Another option to protect the teeth from deterioration is dental sealants. To prevent tooth decay, the dentist will apply a thin coating of plastic material over the molars. Although this procedure is often reserved for kids, it may be helpful for adults at risk of tooth decay.

Custom mouthguard

Patients who participate in physical activities, such as football or boxing, should definitely inquire about getting a custom mouthguard from their dentist. A bespoke guard provides the highest possible degree of protection, much beyond that of any off-the-shelf mouthguard.

A custom-made sports mouthguard protects the teeth and gums. If one gets struck in the face during a game or practice, the teeth will be protected from the blow.

Oral cancer screening

Preventive dentists might also offer oral cancer screenings. The oral cavity, pharynx, and tongue are visually inspected for malignant or precancerous tumors. Screenings should be performed routinely since early diagnosis is crucial in treating oral cancer.

The American Cancer Society expects about 54,540 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2023. This highlights the critical importance of undergoing an oral cancer screening during your next visit. Some of the risks of oral cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol intake, family history of cancer, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

It is important to remember that anybody may develop oral cancer at any time, even if they do not have any of the typical risk factors. Patients should inform the dentist and their staff of any oral cancer risk factors they may have; this will help them prioritize regular oral cancer tests.

Education

Preventive dentists advise their patients on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy via education and counseling. They may offer advice on how to brush and floss effectively, what foods to eat, and other preventative measures. As tobacco use is associated with poor dental health, the dentist may also provide advice on how to kick the habit.

Gum treatment

Tooth loss may result from gum disease, a prevalent oral health problem. Preventive dentists offer periodontal treatment to treat gum disease and stop it in its tracks. Scaling and root planing, a thorough cleaning procedure for the gums that removes plaque and tartar, may be part of this.

The bottom line

A preventive dentist may provide a wide range of treatments to help their patients maintain excellent oral health, which is why they are so important. Preventative dentistry involves a wide range of services, including regular examinations and cleanings. Patients may take charge of their oral health and avoid future dental issues by consulting with a preventive dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Sunnyvale, TX.

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry: Choosing The Right Toothbrush

Using the right toothbrush is part of preventive dentistry. Your dental health is more secure if you have the right tool for cleaning your teeth and gums. An effective toothbrush can help you reach your dental health goals. If you want to know the basics of choosing the right toothbrush as part of preventive dentistry,…

Preventive Dental Care - Tobacco Use Counseling

Tobacco use counseling has become an important component of preventive dental care. If you are addicted to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco or any other form of tobacco, you can obtain meaningful assistance through tobacco use counseling. This unique approach to preventive dental care has helped countless individuals quit smoking and enjoy improved oral…

Preventative Dental Care From Your Sunnyvale Dental Office: Reducing Your Risk Of Getting Cavities

Our Sunnyvale dental office provides preventative dental care to help keep our patients in excellent oral health and reduce the likelihood they will develop cavities or infections.Preventative dental care can be proactive, rather than reactive, by cleaning teeth on a regular basis. We can help prevent cavities from forming by strengthening teeth through the use…

The Importance Of Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are incredibly important for maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, many people only visit the dentist when they have a dental emergency or something like a toothache. It is far better to make these appointments on a regular basis to ensure that problems are prevented. This is more economical and allows for better…

Recent Posts

Tips For At Home Denture Care

4 Tips For At-Home Denture Care

Proper denture care is a crucial part of maintaining the appliance and its benefits. If you are a new denture wearer, you may be questioning how to care for them at home. Here are four tips for taking care of your dentures at home.It is important to remember that just because you have dentures does…

Denture Care:   Tips For Properly Cleaning Your Dentures

Denture Care: 4 Tips For Properly Cleaning Your Dentures

When you have dentures, you must remember this: proper denture care starts with treating your dentures just like natural teeth. You should keep your dentures clean and shiny to help maintain your new smile. Keeping your dentures and mouth clean will help to extend the life of your new smile! Here are four tips on…

HOURS: MON 8AM-5PM TUES 8AM-4PM WED 8AM-4PM THURS 8AM-4PM FRI 8AM – NOON