Preventive dentistry is the practice of creating and maintaining a healthy smile through regular dental visits. Preventive care helps patients avoid costly dental procedures and treatments. It also improves your oral and overall health. A healthy smile is not only attractive, it helps protect against serious dental issues, such as oral cancer and periodontal disease.
Types of Preventive Dentistry Procedures
Professional Oral Cleanings and Exams
During a routine dental exam, we clean your teeth, check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and examine your smile for signs of oral cancer, teeth grinding, and other concerns.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of your molars. The sealant material acts as a barrier to food particles and bacteria. The dental sealant procedure is fast, easy, and painless. Sealants are an excellent way to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in different foods and water. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are most commonly done to children, but adults can benefit from them as well.
Dental X-rays
A full set of dental X-rays allows your dentist to see below the surfaces of your teeth and jaw. This allows them to gain a complete picture of your oral health. X-rays can detect cavities, infections, bone loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. They can also give your dentist a clear picture of how your wisdom teeth are erupting.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are important for early detection. Oral cancer is a serious condition that affects thousands of Americans each year. It can affect any area of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, and cheeks. A visual cancer screening can help your dentist detect the early signs of oral cancer.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is a lot like preventive medicine. It’s focused on stopping problems from occurring rather than treating them after they occur. The primary goals of preventive dentistry include:
- Reducing tooth decay
- Reducing gum disease
- Reducing tooth loss
- Improving the overall health of the mouth
These goals can all be achieved by practicing good oral hygiene at home, as well as seeing your dentist in Mesa for routine professional cleanings and checkups.
Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist Mesa, AZ to learn more about the dental services we offer.
