Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you keep a healthy mouth for a lifetime. The two main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. The better you prevent or deal with these two problems, the more chances you will have of keeping a healthy smile.

When our dental team and patients work together, we can help prevent the need for further treatment –especially fillings and extractions. We may recommend a course of treatment to get your mouth into good condition, and then work out a maintenance plan to help you keep it like that.

The following are procedures that help us diagnose, treat and/or prevent decay and gum disease:

● Dental Exam and Prophylaxis. A dental exam will always be done during your first visit. Afterwards, at check-ups you will have prophylaxis, X-rays, gum disease and tooth decay evaluations, as well as examination of existing restorations done. X-Rays help us detect cavities, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. They also help us detect tooth and root positions. It is through gum disease evaluation that we look for any signs of periodontal disease. We use special dental instruments to examine possible decay, as well as fillings and crowns.

● Professional Dental Cleaning. Dental cleanings include tartar and plaque removal, as well as tooth polishing. Tartar is hardened plaque that has become attached to the tooth surface, it can only be removed with special dental instruments. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and is almost invisible but truly damaging. It is a growing colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Altogether they produce toxins that inflame gums and this is just the beginning of periodontal disease. Through teeth polishing we are able to remove stains and plaque that can’t be removed during regular tooth brushing.

● Fluoride treatment 7. Fluoride is the best agent to help prevent tooth decay and it makes teeth more resistant to acid attack. According to your personal risk of decay we will recommend the frequency in which fluoride needs to be applied –usually it should be done twice a year. It is important to remember that fluoride alone doesn’t prevent tooth decay. But daily tooth brushing, flossing, reducing sugary snacks and visiting us on a regular basis will contribute to reduce your risk of decay.

● Pit and fissure sealers. Sealants are a dental material that is applied to the chewing surface of back teeth that are susceptible to dental decay. After placed they need to be checked for chipping and wear. They can be applied in both baby and permanent teeth.