Solid preventive care is the foundation for your oral and overall health. Good at-home hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, can keep your smile free from decay and other oral health issues like gum disease. Regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health so you can address any minor concerns before they become larger, more costly, and more invasive issues.
Diagnostic & Prevention
We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your biannual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.
Cleaning & Hygiene
Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.
However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.
Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.
Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.
Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Periodontal Care
Untreated gum disease can lead to serious consequences for your oral and overall health, including gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. That’s why scheduling regular check-ups is essential. Our team offers a range of periodontal treatments, including deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), to help prevent gum disease from compromising your smile. If you experience inflamed gums, bleeding, persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or changes in your bite, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on the path to health. Additionally, we utilize advanced laser dentistry to enhance your periodontal care. Our soft-tissue laser offers a highly focused beam of light that can perform a variety of treatments with greater comfort and quicker recovery times than traditional methods. If you’re curious about how laser therapy can benefit your oral health, contact us today!
Sedation Dentistry
Don't let dental anxiety hold you back from taking care of your smile. We understand that dental visits can be daunting, which is why we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure you have a comfortable, pain-free experience, regardless of your treatment’s complexity. Interested in learning more about our sedation methods? Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the best option to suit your needs.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!
Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.
Night Guards and Sports Guards
Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that often occurs at night. Night guards can help alleviate the symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth, protecting them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of your case, night guards can be made from various materials with different degrees of softness for optimal comfort. On the other hand, if you're an athlete, sports guards are essential for protecting your mouth from oral trauma during high-impact activities. Whether you play football, basketball, soccer, or participate in gymnastics, a custom-fitted sports guard can safeguard your teeth from chipping, cracking, or even being knocked out during collisions or falls. Tailored to fit your unique smile, these guards are both comfortable and durable, allowing you to focus on your game without worrying about your dental health. Invest in your smile's protection with our tailored night guards and sports guards!
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
At our practice, we're committed to your overall health, not just your teeth. We offer comprehensive sleep apnea screenings to identify this common but serious sleep disorder. For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, we provide custom-fitted oral appliances as a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines. Our expert team can help you breathe easier and sleep better, improving your quality of life.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tooth enamel is the hardest part of your entire body.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Healthier Mouths, Healthier Lives
Ready to take control of your dental health? Book your first visit at Summit Family Dentistry now.