Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain oral health throughout your life. Good oral health can also impact your general health. Preventative dental care combines regular dental checkups and good habits like brushing and flossing. Taking care of your teeth starts at birth and extends throughout your life.
Preventive dentistry services may include:
- Regular oral exams, usually every six months
- Routine radiographs (X-rays)
- Child (under 12 years old) and Adult prophylaxis (Teeth cleaning)
- Sealants (a coating applied to the tops of the teeth to protect against cavities)
- Prescription Fluoride Varnish and toothpaste (nature's cavity fighter)
Periodontal Dentistry
Focuses on eliminating bacteria to lower infection of the gingiva (gums) to stop periodontal disease from advancing and destroying bone.
- Scaling in the presence of inflammation- an advanced cleaning when one has moderate to severe gingivitis (inflammation) but no bone loss.
- Scaling and root planing- Performed when there is bone loss. Requiring advanced skills and techniques to remove calculus (tartar) that acts like splinters to the gingiva (gums). A deep, detailed cleaning.
- Periodontal Maintenance- completed every 3-4 months after scaling and root planing to clean harmful bacteria from under the gums.
Pit and Fissure Sealants
