You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Preventive dental care services are all about identifying and stopping dental issues before they arise. Detecting problems early and treating them promptly is the goal of preventive care. Even if you are personally unaware of any oral health problems, it’s important that you have regular dental check-ups. Professional teeth cleanings can spot problems and help you maintain a high level of oral health that prevents diseases like tooth decay and gingivitis.
When you schedule a preventive dental appointment, you’ll be offered a range of services, including professional cleaning, an exam and X-rays, and fluoride treatment. Additionally, we may recommend periodontal scaling and root planing for patients with a lot of plaque buildup. We can also offer you dental sealants, which may be a good option to forestall problems down the line. Your Smile Design dentistry providers will assess your oral health and determine the level of care you require.
Adults and children also need to have a clinical dental cleaning, called a “dental prophylaxis” or “prophy” for short, at least every six months. This cleaning procedure is performed with special tools to thoroughly remove dental plaque from tooth surfaces and polish the surfaces to slow down bacterial buildup.
Dental x-rays are used to safely and accurately detect hidden dental problems and complete an accurate diagnosis and treatment for children. We use the latest digital technology with extremely low exposure to radiation.
A thin, plastic coating can be applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves in your teeth to protect them with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, and your Smile Design dentist will examine your sealants during your regular check-ups to see if you need re-treatment due to wear and chipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
30-60 minutes depending on current dental health
Tooth decay, abscesses, cysts, etc.
2-4 years.