Preventive Care Specialist

What is preventative care?

Preventative care is a treatment philosophy that aims to prevent health problems from developing in the first place, rather than fixing conditions after they arise.

In dentistry, preventative care involves emphasizing the oral hygiene you practice at home and maintaining regular appointments with your dentist for routine checkups and professional cleanings. In order to keep your teeth healthy at home, you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and maintain a healthy diet. 

Even if you practice exceptional at-home care, you still need to have regular cleanings and exams with Elite Dental & Denture PC. There might be trouble areas in your smile that only your dentist can get properly cleaned, and having regular exams can ensure that any problems that do arise in your oral health are dealt with sooner rather than later, when treatment is easier and more effective. 

Regular dental exams are also one of the best ways to make sure your gums stay healthy. Periodontal disease is known to develop silently, meaning many patients don’t realize that they have the disease until it’s already progressed into its later stages. The team at Elite Dental & Denture PC can spot signs of gum disease in its earliest stages when it’s much easier to treat and reverse.

What happens during a routine dental exam?

Your dental exam typically consists of:

Visual exam

Your dentist or hygienist carefully looks at your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for any signs of dental problems that might pose a threat to your oral health.

Diagnostic X-rays

Depending on how long it’s been since your last appointment and the health of your smile, your dentist might take X-rays of your mouth in order to get a better look at suspicious areas. X-rays are incredibly useful in diagnosing problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like cavities between teeth or within cracks or fissures.

Teeth cleaning

Your hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that you might not be able to get with at-home brushing and flossing. This is instrumental in protecting you from gum disease and cavities. Your hygienist ends your cleaning with a professional polishing that makes your smile truly shine.

How often do I need an exam and cleaning?

Most patients need to have an exam and cleaning twice a year, but that frequency can sometimes vary depending on your dental history and daily habits. If you have gum disease, for example, you might need to have more frequent cleanings. Elite Dental & Denture PC can work with you to determine a schedule that is best for your particular dental needs. 

Keep your smile healthy today and schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online.