Preventive Dentistry in Waxahachie, TX
Preserves your smile for life at Waxahachie Family Dentistry. Our team of dentists, Drs. Scott Clinton, Nick Acosta, and Rachel Todd understand the importance of preventive dentistry appointments and proper oral hygiene at home.
Protecting your beautiful smile requires a solid foundation. Healthy oral health habits can only do so much on their own. It’s essential that you visit a dentist for regular checkups and screenings. We at Waxahachie Family Dentistry will work with you to maximize your health, beauty, and comfort through preventive care for your smile.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focus on maintaining your oral health before dental issues can develop. If dental issues arise, it allows us to intervene as soon as possible and keep problems minimal. Preventive dental services are a proactive approach to help maintain each patient’s oral health and keep dental problems from arising. With daily brushing and flossing, and visits to our dental practice for professional cleanings and exams, we can ensure your smile stays healthy and bright.
What to Expect During Your First Dental Visit
Your first visit is our first chance to get to know you and your oral health needs. This appointment takes around one hour and allows us to gain a better understanding of your oral health and makeup.
During your preventive dental appointment, we’ll review your medical history and perform a thorough examination. Once your dentist has an accurate idea of your status, they’ll construct a treatment plan to correct any problems to restore your oral health. Our dentists will also provide tips for maintaining optimal oral health through good brushing and flossing habits.
Periodontal Disease Screening and Treatment
A primary concern of our dentists during your visit is promoting the long-term health of your gums. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar between the gum tissue and teeth.
Symptoms of the first stages of periodontal disease include bleeding and swelling of the gums, followed by a receding gum line that can expose the roots of your teeth if left untreated.
Deep cleaning from our trained hygienists can reverse the onset of periodontal disease. Ignoring the early warning signs can only worsen outcomes and eventually lead to painful, tender gums and loosened teeth. You can avoid costly and uncomfortable dental issues and procedures with preventative gum disease treatment from Waxahachie Family Dental.
Tooth By Tooth Assessment
We’ll evaluate each tooth and check for any issues that may need to be addressed, such as screening for general tooth health and the warning signs of decay or cavities. If any dental issues are detected, we’ll provide you with professional cleanings and any necessary treatments like dental sealants or dental fillings.
Bite Analysis
A TMJ and occlusal (bite) analysis look at the position of your jaw when you bite down. Your dentist will look for dysfunctions in your bite such as wear, cracked or broken teeth, pain while chewing, and gum recession. If your dentist finds dysfunction in your bite, they can recommend mouthguards to help alleviate the pain.
Oral Cancer Screening
During every routine dental exam, our dentists will provide an oral cancer screening. They’ll perform a visual and physical exam of your tongue, jaw, cheeks, and chin to look for signs of oral cancer, such as swelling, discolored patches, bumps, or other abnormalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule regular dental visits?
Visiting your dentist for a checkup and deep cleaning every six months can effectively maintain the health of your teeth and gums. To preserve the benefits of professional cleaning and make your regular visits as comfortable as possible, care for your teeth and gums at home with daily brushing and flossing.
Why are regular checkups so important?
Routine dental checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health, as hygienists can remove bacteria that regular toothbrushes can’t reach.
Plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas can lead to the build-up of hard tartar, but a trained hygienist can remove tartar and prevent the onset of periodontal disease. Rather than waiting for a cavity to cause you pain or impair your ability to eat, a dentist can catch the signs of tooth decay and use dental sealants and fillings to avoid more severe and expensive interventions down the road.
How can I prevent dental health issues?
It’s crucial to keep your mouth healthy and further reduce the chances of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. These are a few tips and recommendations to follow:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Rinse with mouthwash in between every meal
- Daily flossing (preferably before going to bed)
- Keep a balanced diet that is low in sugars and carbohydrates
- Avoid tobacco products
- Moderate alcohol consumption
Will my dental insurance cover preventive treatments?
Most insurance covers a portion or most of the preventive treatment costs. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider to better understand your plan. You can also ask your dentist if their office features financing plans to help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Protect Your Smile With Our Preventative Dentistry Services
Regular preventative care is the best way to protect your teeth for a lifetime of health and comfort. Make an appointment at Waxahachie Family Dentistry by calling (972) 885-3335 to ensure your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition.
You can get in touch by filling out our convenient contact form. Waxahachie Family Dentistry proudly provides preventive dentistry services for patients in the Red Oak, Midlothian, and Ennis, TX areas.