What It Is
Preventative dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and avoiding dental problems before they start. It includes routine care, cleanings, screenings, and protective treatments to keep teeth and gums healthy throughout life. These services are especially important for children, helping form good habits early, but they’re essential for adults too.
Diagnostic Services:
X-Rays
Dental X-rays are imaging tools that allow dentists to see beneath the surface of the teeth and gums, identifying issues that aren’t visible during a basic exam.
There are two common types:
- Intraoral X-rays: Taken inside the mouth, focusing on specific teeth or areas (e.g., bitewings, periapicals).
- Panoramic X-rays: Taken outside the mouth, showing the entire jaw, teeth, and sinuses in one image.
How It’s Done
Intraoral X-rays:
- A small sensor or film is placed in the mouth.
- Used to check for cavities between teeth, bone levels, and developing teeth.
Panoramic X-rays:
- The patient stands still while a machine rotates around their head.
- Useful for monitoring tooth eruption, jaw development, and checking for impacted teeth or cysts.
Why It’s Done
- To detect cavities, infections, or bone loss
- To track growth and tooth development
- To plan treatments like braces, extractions, or space maintainers
- To identify issues early, often before symptoms appear
When It’s Done
- Every 6–12 months for kids at high risk of cavities
- Before orthodontic treatment
- When new symptoms appear (pain, swelling, etc.)
- As part of routine exams, depending on age and dental history
Cleanings:
Scale, Polish, and Air Polisher.
Dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and stains that brushing and flossing can’t. This includes:
- Scaling: Removing hard tartar with hand tools or ultrasonic devices.
- Polishing: Smoothing and shining the teeth with a gritty paste.
- Air Polisher: Uses a jet of air, water, and baking soda to clean—ideal for kids or patients with braces.
How It’s Done
- Scaling: Dentist or hygienist removes buildup above and below the gumline.
- Polishing: Smooths the enamel to make it harder for plaque to stick.
- Air Polisher (if needed): Gently blasts away plaque and stains around braces or tough-to-reach spots.
Why It’s Done
- To prevent gum disease and tooth decay
- To remove plaque and calculus before they cause problems
- To make teeth look and feel cleaner and brighter
- To maintain oral health during orthodontic treatment
When It’s Done
- Every 6 months for most children and adults
- Every 3–4 months for those with braces or gum concerns
- Before certain procedures (e.g., fillings, fluoride, whitening)
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Professional fluoride treatments use a higher concentration than over-the-counter products.
They may come in the form of:
- Varnish
- Foam
- Gel
How It’s Used
- Applied after a cleaning.
- Painted or swabbed onto the teeth or delivered in a tray.
- The child is told to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
Why It’s Used
- To remineralize weak spots in enamel
- To prevent or slow early decay
- To reduce sensitivity
- Especially valuable in low-income or high-risk populations
When It’s Used
- Twice a year for most kids
- More often for those at high risk of cavities
- During routine dental visits
