Solid preventive care 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.
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.
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 cannot be removed with brushing alone.
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.
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 strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.
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.
Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we are here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you are unsure if what you are experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Periodontal Care
When left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. Gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss can occur without proper treatment, so scheduling regular checkups for treatment is essential. Our team can keep gum disease from compromising your smile through a variety of periodontal treatments, such as deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing). 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. We'll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on a healthy path.
Soft-Tissue Laser Therapy
While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of treatments and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Get in touch with us today to find out laser dentistry can benefit you!
All-Tissue Laser Therapy
Say goodbye to noisy, anxiety-inducing dental drills, and say hello to the future of dental care. All-tissue laser therapy offers unparalleled precision for a full range of restorative treatments like root canals and fillings, all without pain. They can also reduce bleeding and eliminate pain, resulting in faster recovery times and more a more comfortable experience for you.
Sedation Options
Dental anxiety doesn't have to stop you from getting the care you need for your smile. We're happy to offer sedation options, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy painless, stress-free dental care, no matter the complexity of your treatment. If you're interested in our sedation options, get in touch with us today, and we'll find out what option will work best for you.
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.
Night Guards
Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.
Sports Guards
Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.
A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more. At Northshore Dental, Dr. Andrew Goldsmith and his team offer comprehensive preventive dentistry services. These services aim to prevent dental issues before they develop into more serious problems. By maintaining regular check-ups and cleanings, you can ensure your teeth stay healthy, function well, and look great.
Preventive dentistry includes a range of practices and treatments, such as:
- Regular dental cleanings
- Dental exams
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Oral cancer screenings
- Patient education
Why is preventive dentistry important?
Preventive dentistry is important for several reasons. First, it helps maintain good oral health, which can impact your overall health. Conditions like gum disease and tooth decay can lead to more serious health issues if not treated early. Studies have linked poor oral health to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
Second, preventive dentistry can save you time and money. By catching potential issues early, you can avoid costly and time-consuming treatments down the line. For example, a small cavity that is detected early can be treated with a simple filling, while a more advanced cavity may require a root canal or even an extraction.
Finally, preventive dentistry can help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime, which is always the goal of good dental health care. When you take care of your teeth through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, you're investing in your long-term oral health.
How often should I visit Northshore Dental for preventive care?
The frequency of your dental visits can depend on your specific oral health needs. However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to have a dental check-up and cleaning every six months. These regular visits allow Dr. Goldsmith and his team to monitor your oral health and catch any potential issues early.
During these six-month check-ups, we will:
- Clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar
- Check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease
- Perform an oral cancer screening
- Take X-rays, if needed
- Discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health
If you have a higher risk of dental disease, you may need to visit more frequently. Factors that can increase your risk include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- A history of cavities or gum disease
- A weakened immune system
Dr. Goldsmith will be able to provide a personalized recommendation based on your unique circumstances.
What can I do at home to practice good preventive dentistry?
While regular visits to Northshore Dental are crucial for maintaining good oral health, the work you do at home is just as important. Here are some tips for practicing good preventive dentistry at home:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control plaque and freshen your breath.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
- If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
- If you grind your teeth at night, talk to Dr. Goldsmith about getting a custom night guard.
By following these simple tips and visiting Northshore Dental regularly for check-ups and cleanings, you can maintain excellent oral health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.