Preventive Dental Care

Why Preventive Care?

Your teeth should last a lifetime! Regular preventive care can help you enjoy a lifetime of good dental health – one that is free of toothache pain or other dental discomforts.

Your dental health affects your general health. A healthy mouth, with well cared for teeth, enables you to chew properly, speak clearly, and to smile confidently. By Caring for your natural teeth you are contributing to your general well-being and enjoyment of life. Remember, dental care is not expensive, but dental neglect is!

Your dentist recommends that you return regularly for preventive care. This periodic “recall” visit is important for many reasons.

Tooth Decay

Once a tooth begins to decay, professional treatment is required to stop the destruction and to restore it to normal function. Early detection is possible with a thorough examination and the use of X-rays as necessary. This and prompt treatment enables your dentist to prevent further destruction of the tooth.

Periodontal Disease

A regular examination enables your dentist to find and treat periodontal problems (disease of the gum and bone that surround the teeth) before the condition becomes serious enough to cause irreversible damage.

Personal Oral Hygiene

Your home care program is a key to preventing dental disease! Your dentist, or hygienist, will help you evaluate how successful you have been in your home care. They will help you learn better ways to overcome any problem areas.

Developmental Problems

Regular dental care is particularly important for children, The dentist will evaluate the conditions in the child’s mouth as the primary teeth are lost and permanent teeth move into position. Often minor orthodontic treatment at the right age can prevent the development of a severe malocclusion which will require major, and very expensive, treatment later on.

What is included?

What is included in your “recall visit” will depend upon your needs. Usually, this visit includes a complete examination, prophylaxis, and X-rays as needed.

Why is professional “cleaning” necessary?

If plaque is not removed regularly it becomes hardened and forms calculus. This irritant is a major cause of periodontal disease and encourages tooth decay.

Once the plaque hardens into calculus it is impossible for you to remove it. Your dentist, or hygienist, will perform a professional prophylaxis to remove the calculus and to polish your teeth.

Why X-rays?

X-rays are a diagnostic tool used to detect tooth decay and abnormalities or development problems that are not visible in the mouth. Many conditions, such as tooth decay and bone loss, can become very serious before they are visible in the mouth.

How often is this care required?

A thorough dental examination every six months is recommended for most people. However, we will suggest a recall time based on conditions in your mouth.