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Preventive Dentistry
The best way to have good oral health is to take steps that promote wellness and prevent problems from occurring or worsening. While you can perform oral hygiene practices from home, preventive dentistry in Gahanna is an important component.
At Creekside Family Dental in Gahanna, OH, we offer preventive dentistry services that fit our belief in taking the most conservative approach to dentistry.
Preventive Dentistry in Gahanna
This type of dentistry, which may also be called general dentistry, includes services offered by a dental practice that improve oral health and minimize dental problems. It includes the professional cleanings that rid your mouth of bacteria and plaque, which eventually turn into tooth decay or gum disease.
Preventive dentistry includes exams that catch problems as early as possible, as well as minimal dental treatments that prevent minor problems from worsening. Solving problems early makes treatment easier and prevents the need for restorative treatments like bridges or dentures.
Preventive Dentistry Services
Your biannual exam and cleaning appointments are the most important part of our preventive dentistry offerings. During these appointments, we also provide oral cancer screening to look for any early signs.
Beyond these regular visits, our preventive options include:
- Fluoride treatments and sealants to protect and strengthen your teeth
- Dental fillings or extractions to solve decay without further damage
- Nightguards to protect your teeth and jaws from the effects of tooth grinding (Bruxism)
Why Preventive Dentistry Matters
When left unchecked, substances like plaque, tartar and bacteria build up in your mouth and can lead to gum disease and cavities. If you leave these untreated, they can worsen. The problem becomes more painful and more severe in time.
Early treatment could include a regular cleaning or a filling, while untreated problems could result in intensive, costly treatments like periodontal services, root canals or implants.
Preventive dentistry helps patients keep their natural teeth and maintain healthy gums, which also benefits the health of the body. Many of the treatments that people do not like about the dentist can be avoided with preventive dentistry services that are generally fast, easy and inexpensive.
Preventive Dentistry For the Family
People of any age benefit from this type of dentistry. Once a person begins having teeth, it’s important to get regular cleanings throughout the person’s lifetime. Even people with implants, dentures or other restorative dentistry options need to maintain their oral health from this point forward.
The need for specific services varies from person to person. For example, only people with decay would need fillings, and nightguards are intended for those who grind their teeth while sleeping.
While you may think fluoride treatments and sealants are solely for children, they provide similar benefits to adults. Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and are particularly beneficial for those who aren’t exposed to enough through fluoride toothpaste or water. Sealants protect molars that are difficult to thoroughly clean.
Schedule Your Preventive Dentistry Appointment
The first step of preventive dentistry with our office is coming in for your exam and regular cleaning. During that appointment, we can discuss whether you would benefit from additional preventive services with us.
Contact our office to make your exam and cleaning appointment.
Preventive Dentistry FAQs
At Creekside Family Dental, we believe that preventive care is the foundation of a healthy smile. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our preventive dentistry services.
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining your oral health and preventing dental problems before they occur. This care includes routine cleanings, exams, X-rays, and personalized care tips.
Why are regular dental cleanings important?
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach. They help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while brightening your smile.
What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning typically includes removing plaque and tartar, polishing teeth, and sometimes applying fluoride. The dentist or hygienist will also check for signs of cavities or gum disease.
What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
Why is my dentist taking X-rays if I feel fine?
X-rays help detect hidden issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth before symptoms appear.
What can I do at home to support preventive care?
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining a balanced diet are key steps to maintaining healthy teeth. Drinking water and avoiding sugary snacks also help protect teeth.
What are dental sealants, and how do they work?
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. They help prevent cavities by keeping out food particles and bacteria, and they are especially useful for children and teens.
Can preventive dentistry reduce the need for extensive dental work?
Absolutely. Regular preventive care helps detect and address minor issues early, often avoiding the need for more invasive and costly treatments later.
Does Creekside Family Dental offer custom nightguards?
Yes, we provide custom-fit mouthguards to protect teeth for those who grind their teeth at night.
At Creekside Family Dental, your oral health is our priority. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to stay on top of your preventive care!
