Preventive dental services include routine oral exams, X-rays, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Educational instruction such as proper brushing and flossing methods and regular dental visits are also considered the best way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.
The goal of preventive dental care is to identify and fix small problems before they become big, and potentially costly issues.
X-rays are an integral part of oral exams because they help detect any problems not visible during an external examination. They can show how deep a cavity penetrates, if the root of a tooth is infected, and whether there is any bone loss. Not all people need x-rays during every oral exam. Dental history, general oral health and age all determine the frequency.
Although x-rays use radiation, their occasional use is not dangerous, and the valuable information t hey provide helps the doctor address the source of your main concerns.
The best way to avoid dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, dental pain and other emergencies is to prevent them with a good at home oral hygiene routine, plus visits to see your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings every 6 months.
Regular dental cleanings usually are preceded of a comprehensive oral exam or a regular evaluation. Once the exam has been completed, unless your dentist has diagnosed gum disease, the dentist or hygienist will perform a regular cleaning, or prophylaxis. For individuals with gum disease, your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning to treat the issue and allow your mouth to heal.
A dental sealant application is a simple cavity prevention procedure with effects that can last up to 5 to 10 years. A dental sealant is a thin, tooth-colored, plastic material that is painted into the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These areas are prone to dental decay because they are deep and difficult for the bristles of a toothbrush to reach.
Dental sealants are often recommended for children at age 6, when the first set of molars are erupting into the mouth, and at age 12, when the second set of molars are erupting. Dental sealants take only a couple of minutes to apply and can be reapplied in the future if necessary.