Preventative Dental Services

 

Preventative Dental Services are a variety of dental procedures that can help you keep your teeth in good condition. From sealants to fluoride treatments, there are several services to choose from. It’s important to understand the different kinds of preventative dental services, so that you can make a decision that will work for you.
Basic dental services

Preventative Dental Services are an important part of maintaining oral health. These include regular cleanings, exams, and education. By identifying problems early, you can avoid costly treatment later on. Having a dental insurance plan can help make this possible.

Dental plans cover several types of dental procedures. The three main categories are preventative care, basic restorative services, and major restorative services. Each category has a specific cost and service level.

Major dental services are more complex than preventative care. They may involve oral surgery or anesthesia. Examples of major dental services include dentures, bridgework, and dental implants.

Basic preventative dental services are usually simple, non-surgical procedures that can fix damage that has already occurred. Examples of basic preventative care are professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. A dentist can also provide you with a mouthguard.
Sealants

Sealants are a valuable dental tool that can help prevent tooth decay. This protective coating protects the tooth from bacteria that causes cavities. The sealant also helps limit the amount of food particles that reach the teeth.

These treatments are especially helpful for patients with deep ridges on their teeth. They are especially effective on the back molars. Oftentimes, these teeth are hard to clean, since they have deep grooves and pits.

If you have back molars, it’s likely that you’re at risk for cavities. While you can’t avoid cavities altogether, you can reduce their occurrence by brushing and flossing regularly. You’ll also want to maintain a healthy diet and make sure you get plenty of fluoride. Using dental sealants in conjunction with these habits will keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
Nightguards

If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, you may have heard about nightguards. These protective devices are worn over your teeth while you sleep, and are designed to reduce the pain caused by clenching and grinding. They are also used to treat snoring.

Teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth, including tooth erosion and gum recession. Grinding can also be a contributing factor to TMJ disorders. This disorder, which affects the jaw joint, can lead to facial pain, headaches, and jaw tenderness. Investing in a night guard can prevent the long-term oral health consequences of grinding and clenching.

Nightguards can be purchased over the counter, or custom-fitted by your dentist. Custom-fitted nightguards are made with high-quality materials that fit your mouth and teeth perfectly.
Custom sports guards

One of the best ways to protect your teeth during sports is to wear a mouthguard. Not only will it help prevent injuries, it will also keep your mouth free from the dangers of clenching and grinding.

A mouthguard is a small, plastic device that is designed to protect your teeth and tongue from injury. The best mouthguards are custom made to fit your mouth perfectly.

In addition to protecting your teeth, a good mouthguard will also reduce the chances of a concussion. These devices are crafted from a flexible plastic material that absorbs the force of hits.

Mouth guards are especially helpful during contact sports. However, they can be uncomfortable to wear. If you’re not sure what type of guard is right for you, talk to your dentist about custom fitted athletic guards.
Fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments are used to protect your teeth from cavities. This is because it is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. It is also a protective barrier against acid. In addition, it nourishes the tooth enamel and remineralizes it.

Fluoride treatments can be done as a topical treatment, in which the fluoride is applied directly to the teeth. Or, it can be systemic, in which the fluoride is applied to the entire mouth.

Professional fluoride treatments are highly effective. They remineralize the enamel and seal the porous dentin. As a result, the teeth are more resistant to decay and infections.

A dental hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment at your regular cleanings. The treatment may be done as a solution, foam, or varnish. Some treatments are also done at home, under the supervision of your dentist.