Close up of germs on teeth

Preventive Dentistry
in Gilbert, AZ

Solid preventive care in Gilbert, AZ is the foundation for your oral and overall health. Good at-home hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, can keep your smile free from decay and other oral health issues like gum disease. Regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health so you can address any minor concerns before they become larger, more costly, and more invasive issues. Contact your Gilbert dentist to schedule your check up appointment.

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Preventive Dentistry

Diagnostic & Prevention

We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Preventive Dentistry

Cleaning & Hygiene

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Preventive Dentistry

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Preventive Dentistry

Periodontal Care

Gum disease, while common, can have serious effects on your oral and overall health if left untreated. Advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss, so timely treatment is essential. Periodontal care uses a variety of treatments, like deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your oral health. If your gums are inflamed or bleed easily, if you have persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, or notice any changes in your bite, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and get your smile back on a healthy path.

Preventive Dentistry

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your teeth, keeping your enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.

Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.

Preventive Dentistry

Emergencies

The sooner you get treatment for your dental emergency, the better. At your dentist in Gilbert, we offer same-day appointments for patients in Gilbert. Just give us a call at 480-870-0888. We always have space available for dental emergencies, and we’ll see you as soon as possible.

Preventive Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (480) 870-0888 to speak with our team.

Why Is Preventive Dentistry Important?

Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining the health and strength of your teeth and gums. It allows dentists to check for early signs of dental complications and take measures to prevent their occurrence. In short, with preventive dentistry, dentists consistently monitor the health of your teeth and gums to identify signs of gum disease and tooth decay. Solving dental issues earlier is much easier and less costly allowing you to save a bundle in future dental costs.

Preventive dentistry also allows dental practitioners to give advice and recommendations on proper oral hygiene and dental habits. This professional advice guidance goes a long way towards preserving your dental health and having perfect teeth.

How Do I Properly Care for My Teeth at Home?

Taking care of your teeth at home is as easy as brushing them twice daily for two minutes. While at it, use gentle circular motions and brush at 45-degree angles. Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head to get to hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Please note, Fluoride toothpaste works best since fluoride remineralizes the enamel and prevents tooth decay.

Aside from brushing your teeth, you should also floss in between your teeth to remove food particles and debris. Mouthwash is also great for removing food particles in the mouth and keeping your breath fresh. Fluoridated mouthwash also helps keep dental decay at bay.

Staying hydrated is also crucial for caring for your teeth at home. Hydration stimulates saliva production which is a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria in the mouth and balances remineralization with demineralization. Lastly, cut down on sugary foods that promote dental decay.

How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?

To maintain proper dental health, you should visit the dentist at least every six months. That way the dentist will evaluate your oral health condition and schedule checkups accordingly. That said, the frequency of how often you should see the dentist depends on several factors.

Some of these factors include your oral health. People with proper oral health can get away with seeing their dentist only once a year. However, people prone to dental complications like tooth decay should visit their dentists every three to four months.

Your oral hygiene also plays a crucial role in determining how often you should see your dentist. Proper oral hygiene like brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing every day reduces the need for frequent dental checkups. The opposite is true for people with poor oral hygiene habits, leaving them prone to dental complications and more frequent dental visits.

Remember, the ultimate decision on how frequently you should get dental checkups depends on the dentist. The dentist will conduct a dental assessment to determine whether you’re at risk of certain complications. If so, they’ll schedule more frequent checkups to preserve your dental health.