Preventative Dentistry

Exams, Cleanings & Treatments

Preventative dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing and dental cleanings. Proper care can help prevent dental problems like dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal (gum) diseases and bad breath.

DENTAL EXAMS

At our state-of-the-art Marietta Dental practice we use dental technology to give you the best comprehensive dental exam.

We will start off with digital x-rays, which are essential for finding decay, bone loss, cysts and tumors. They also allow us to see the root and teeth positions.

Next we will do an oral cancer screening in which we will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, tissue and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Then a periodontal disease (gum disease) examination will be preformed to check all of the bone and gums around the teeth to check for periodontal infection.

We will also check all of the tooth structures for decay and existing fillings and crowns.

PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING

A regular cleaning is known as a prophylaxis in dental terms. It is the removal of plaque, calculus, and stain that is accomplished by dental instruments that remove the deposits from the teeth. This is done by either hand instrumentation or ultra sonic instrumentation. A regular dental cleaning is performed on tooth structures that have not been affected by bone loss.

Plaque builds up on teeth regardless of which foods are eaten. Plaque is the soft sticky substance that forms on teeth and is composed of bacteria. Plaque build up can be removed with a toothbrush.

Calculus build up also known as tartar is from the plaque build up being left on the teeth and mineralizes with a person’s saliva. Once the plaque build up mineralizes into calculus it must be professionally removed.

A routine dental cleaning is recommended for persons who do not have periodontal disease, bone loss or infection around the teeth.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-ray (digital radiography) reduces radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays. Digital x-rays use a sensor that captures and immediately transfers the image to the computer. The image is viewed instantly and the dentist can enlarge them to detect problems easily. Dental x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that provides valuable information of things that are not visibly seen during regular dental exams. Without dental x-rays problems may go undetected.

Digital dental x-rays help us to diagnosis decay in between the teeth, bone loss around the teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, developmental abnormalities, poor tooth and root positions, problems below the gum line and inside the tooth. Dental x-rays help use to detect dental problems early which can save you time, money, and discomfort with your teeth.

At your first dental with Denny Family Dentistry we recommend a full mouth serious of x-rays so that we can provide you with the best comprehensive exam. A full mouth serious of x-rays is typically recommended every 3 to 5 years. At your recall visit we recommended bite-wing x-rays to be taken once or twice a year to evaluate the teeth for new decay.

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient'[s dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommended the necessary x-rays for you depending on your dental health.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in the water sources. Fluoride can prevent cavities in children and adults. The fluoride helps to protect tooth enamel from acid that causes cavities. It will also help to repair weakened (decalcified) enamel before the cavity forms.

Fluoride works in two ways:

Topical Fluoride strengthens teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the tooth structure making them more resistant to decay. We receive topical fluoride from mouth rinses, toothpastes and gels. Dentist and Dental hygienist recommended a topical application of fluoride to be applied on adults and children twice a year after cleanings.

Systemic Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth in children that are developing under the gums, as well as teeth that have erupted. We receive most of our systemic fluoride from our food and water. If you live in a area that does not have a fluoridated water system or only drink bottle waters you can talk to your dentist or physician about fluoride supplements. This is especially important for infants and children that are developing teeth. It is very important to monitor the amount of fluoride a child ingests because if they are ingesting to much they could get a condition called fluorosis that causes spots on the permanent teeth.

Dental Sealants

A sealant is a thin plastic material that is placed in deep groves and pits of molars and premolars. The deep groves in teeth can be very difficult to keep clean and are more susceptible to getting dental decay.

Sealants are easily placed by your dentist or dental hygienist the teeth to be cleaned are thoroughly cleaned and the surrounded by cotton to keep the teeth dry. A special material is placed on the teeth to help the sealant bond to the tooth. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. The sealant is placed on the surface of the tooth in the groves and then set using a dental curing light.

Dental sealants with proper home care can reduce decay in teeth.

 

girl brushing teeth

 

Homecare

Denny Family Dentistry wants all of our patients in Marietta GA to have a beautiful healthy smile that you can be proud of and last you a lifetime. Your personal homecare plays a large part in achieving this goal.

Be sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day especially at night using a soft bristle toothbrush. When choosing toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and mouth rinse make sure it is approved by the ADA.

Electric toothbrushes are strongly recommended. They are very easy to use and extremely efficient at removing plaque.

Flossing daily is extremely important for removing plaque and flood particles from in between the teeth and under the gums.

Other dental aids will be recommended to you from your dentist and dental hygienist. Some of these include rubber tip stimulator, tongue cleaners, interdental brushes, fluoride (over the counter and prescription strength), and medicated mouth rinses.