What Services Fall Under Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive Dentistry Mableton, GA

Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on protecting your mouth against common dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It include simple things that you can do independently, like practicing oral hygiene, and procedures performed by dentists, like dental cleanings.

Taking good care of your mouth makes you less likely to develop issues like toothaches, bleeding gums, or infected teeth. It helps keep your teeth looking their best and can lead to lower dental bills in the long run.

Popular dental services that fall under preventive dentistry

This article will examine a few of the procedures that make up preventive dentistry.

1. Comprehensive examinations

Many dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease, do not cause any symptoms in their development stage. They can typically damage the structures in the mouth before the patient seeks dental care for them.

A comprehensive dental examination helps detect developing dental issues before they morph into something worse. Generally speaking, dental problems are easier and cheaper to treat in their early stages. At times, the best treatment outcomes are only possible early on. For example, gum disease can only be reversed in its early stage. Things that a dentist might do during a dental examination include the following.

Oral cancer screening: This involves the dentist examining the patient's gums, throat, face, tongue, lips, and neck, looking for signs of oral cancer. Tissue samples might be taken and sent to a lab for further examination.

Diagnostic X-rays: These are used to check for issues inside the teeth and underneath gum tissues, like bone loss, tooth decay, cysts, and tumors.

Gum disease check: Dentists often look for signs and symptoms of gum disease during routine examinations. A probe might be used to measure the depth of the patient's gum tissues.

Restoration check: Routine checkups serve as opportunities for dentists to examine their patients' restorations for defects.

2. Teeth cleanings

Teeth-cleaning treatments are performed to clean teeth and remove tartar deposits. A metal scaler is often used to scrape tartar off teeth surfaces during the appointment. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, so these treatments are essential to protect teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. The patient's teeth are polished once they have been cleaned in order to get rid of stains and to give them a cleaner appearance.

3. Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin sheets of composite resin placed on the biting surfaces of teeth. They are typically recommended for the teeth in the back of the mouth because these are the most difficult to clean. Ther sealant forms a barrier that prevents bacteria and the acids that they make from getting to teeth.

Applying sealant to a tooth can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. The procedure involves cleaning the patient's tooth and using an etching solution to roughen it for the composite. The liquid composite is then painted onto the tooth before being hardened with ultraviolet light.

Learn more about preventive dental care

Give us a call or stop by our Mableton clinic to learn more about preventive dental services like those discussed here.

Request an appointment here: https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com or call Providence Family Dentistry at (678) 496-7021 for an appointment in our Mableton office.

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

Recent Posts

How Preventive Dentistry Can Avoid A Serious Dental Issue

Practicing preventive dentistry strategies can help you avoid serious dental problems. It can support your personal goals in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Prevention is always better than going through treatments for serious dental problems. If you want to know how preventive dentistry can avoid the development of a serious oral problem, here are…

How A Restorative Dentist Can Restore Your Teeth

If you have dental issues that have made you less confident in your smile, you should consider consulting with a restorative dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know how to restore the look of your teeth and, ultimately, your confidence in your smile. Continue reading to find out what restorative dental…

How Dental Exams Can Catch Possible Oral Risks

The importance of a dental exam often gets ignored. It can be easy to skip check-up appointments as life can get busy and most individuals think that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, this misconception is far from the truth. Dental exams give general dentists the opportunity to look at…

Why You Need A Professional Teeth Cleaning

A professional teeth cleaning from a general dentist is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good oral health. Many individuals are under the impression that oral hygiene at home is enough to maintain good oral health, but that is a common misconception. Visiting a general dentist on a regular basis is necessary.Outlined below…

Recent Posts

Adjusting To New Dentures: The Best Methods For Your New Smile

Adjusting To New Dentures: The Best Methods For Your New Smile

If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…