Preventive Dentistry: Keeping Your Smile Bright and Healthy
When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than a cure. By following good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can maintain good oral health and prevent many common dental problems. Legacy Dental’s Moses Lake preventive dentist, Dr. Briel Loiseau emphasizes the importance of preventive dentistry.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to maintaining good oral health. It involves regular checkups, cleanings, and other treatments that are designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By identifying and addressing potential problems early on, preventive dentistry services can help you avoid more serious dental issues down the road.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry Services
Preventive dentistry services aren’t just about stopping oral health issues from developing. Other benefits of preventive dentistry include:
- Early Detection and Treatment: Regular dental checkups can help detect dental issues early when they are easier to treat, and before they become more serious and expensive to fix.
- Improved Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to better overall health, as poor oral health can contribute to a range of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
- Cost Savings: Preventive dentistry can help you avoid costly dental procedures that may be necessary if dental issues are left untreated.
- Brighter, Healthier Smile: By taking care of your teeth and gums through preventive dentistry, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier smile that boosts your confidence and improves your quality of life.
Our Preventive Dentistry Services
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Dental cleanings and exams play a vital role in maintaining excellent oral health. These procedures, performed by Dr. Loiseau or one of our dental hygienists, are designed to thoroughly assess and clean your teeth, gums, and mouth. During a preventive dental visit, your Moses Lake preventive dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to identify signs of decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. X-rays may also be taken to provide a more detailed view of your teeth and jaw.
If any potential problems are detected, Dr. Loiseau will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that addresses these issues before they worsen. The plan may involve straightforward procedures such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants, or more complex treatments like root canals or dental implants.
The dental cleaning process focuses on removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Using specialized tools, the dentist or hygienist gently scrapes away these deposits and polishes your teeth to eliminate surface stains. They may also provide oral hygiene instructions, demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, and apply fluoride treatments to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, ensuring you can maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Regular oral cancer screenings are an important part of preventive dentistry. During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Loiseau will examine your mouth for signs of cancer, including lumps, sores, and discoloration. Early detection is key in treating oral cancer, and regular screenings can help catch potential problems early on.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatments involve applying a fluoride solution to your teeth to help protect them against decay. Dr. Loiseau may recommend fluoride treatments as part of your preventive care plan, particularly if you have a higher risk of cavities.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating of plastic-like material that’s applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to help prevent cavities. Studies conducted by the CDC demonstrate that children receiving sealants prevented 80% of cavities for 2 years after application. Dr. Loiseau may recommend dental sealants for children and teenagers, as they are more prone to developing cavities in these areas. However, adults prone to cavities can benefit from this non-invasive treatment as well.
Nightguards
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may benefit from a nightguard. Nightguards are custom-made oral appliances that are worn while you sleep to help protect your teeth from damage. Dr. Loiseau can create a nightguard that fits comfortably and effectively to help prevent tooth damage and relieve any associated symptoms like jaw pain.
Dental Education & At-Home Care Recommendations
The dentist may provide personalized dental education on proper oral hygiene and dental care practices, including recommendations for at-home oral care routines such as which products to use and how often to use them. This can help patients maintain good oral hygiene, prevent dental issues from developing, and complement other preventive dentistry services such as regular cleanings, checkups, and X-rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended that you visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have certain dental issues or a higher risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
No, preventive dentistry is important for patients of all ages. By maintaining good oral health habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent many common dental problems and keep your smile healthy for life.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe and provide important diagnostic information that can help identify dental problems before they become more serious. Your dentist will use the lowest dose of radiation possible and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
While good oral hygiene habits are essential for preventing cavities and other dental issues, dental treatment may be necessary if cavities do develop. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help identify and treat cavities early on before they cause more serious dental problems.
Smile Brighter for Longer with Preventive Dentistry Services
Maintaining lasting oral health is crucial, and preventive dentistry plays a vital role in achieving this goal. At Legacy Dental, we offer a range of preventive dentistry services that can help protect your smile against future problems and prevent the need for more invasive and costly procedures. By scheduling regular consultations with Dr. Loiseau, you can take a proactive approach to your oral health and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Legacy Dental proudly serves new and returning patients from Moses Lake and surrounding areas such as Ephrata, Mitchell, and Winchester, WA. To book your preventive dentistry appointment, please call our office in Moses Lake, WA at (509) 765-1748 or click the button below and fill out our online contact form.