When it comes to medical treatments, they say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same is just as true for dentistry, and preventive dental treatments like cleanings, exams, periodontal therapy, and other treatments make a huge difference for you and your family’s oral health. By visiting our dental office just once every six months, you’re doing your future smile and your oral health a huge favor. Contact our dental office today to get your next appointment scheduled!
At-home care matters for any oral care regimen, but professional exams and cleanings allow us to confirm how well that routine is working and remove harmful plaque from the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. During your exam, we’ll closely examine all of your oral structures, including your teeth, gums, tongue, throat and other areas for issues. During the cleaning, either Dr. Johnson or one of his hygienists will remove all plaque and tartar from your enamel. Afterward, we’ll give your smile a thorough polishing and send you on your way!
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of individuals every day. In fact, about 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with it every year, with nearly 10,000 dying as a result. That’s one person of every hour of every day. Since Dr. Johnson is in a unique position to catch the early signs of oral cancer, routine exams to his dental office couldn’t be more important. He’ll check both your mouth and your neck for any symptoms and refer you to a doctor for further testing if needed.
If your gums are bleeding every time you brush or they feel tender to the touch, it’s a sign that you have untreated gum disease. While the early stages of gum disease can be treated with improved oral hygiene, more advanced stages like periodontitis will require professional intervention at our dental office. Scaling and root planing both work to stop gum disease from progressing and get your gums to a healthier state. Visits will need to be completed every three to four months so that we can confirm the treatment is working as planned.
Teeth grinding is a common condition, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be extremely harmful to your long-term oral health. Constant clenching and grinding of teeth only erodes enamel and increases your risk of a dental emergency later (i.e. cracked or broken teeth.) Custom-made nightguards not only ensure thorough protection but the most comfortable fit possible. If you or a family member, regardless of age, is found to be grinding or clenching their teeth, our dental office can help!
Fluoride is incredibly important to keep cavity-causing bacteria at bay. However, it also works to strengthen your existing enamel and treat the earliest signs of cavities before they fully develop. After your dental cleaning, our team performs a fluoride treatment in order to provide additional protection. Just make sure to also use fluoridated toothpaste at home as well as floss daily to stop harmful plaque in its tracks.