Preventative Dentistry
Comprehensive Exam
Has it been a while since you’ve had a dental checkup?
Here at My Emergency Dental, we never judge you for a lapse in dental care. We know that there are many circumstances in which you may have prioritized other things over your dental health. That being said, we would love to help you get back on track and prevent further decay and other dental illnesses.
With a comprehensive exam, you will receive x-rays, an extraoral exam, and an intraoral exam. From there, the doctor will go over your needs and offer treatment solutions. This appointment is a perfect time to ask any questions you may have.
Teeth Cleaning
If you have had a dental cleaning in the past 6 months to a year, you will qualify for a “basic cleaning”. If you have never been to our office before, we will take diagnostic x-rays prior to the cleaning and do a full exam so we can go over your treatment needs.
Cleanings are necessary every 4-6 months, depending on your home hygiene regimen and genetics. During your cleaning, the plaque that has hardened on your teeth called tartar will be mechanically debrided (removed), plaque will be removed and flossed, and, if necessary, you will receive fluoride. If necessary, your provider will go over hygiene techniques to improve how you clean your teeth at home. After your treatment, you will be provided a hygiene kit which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, as well as an appointment card for your recall appointment.
Together, we can help you achieve optimum oral health.
Fluoride Treatment
Since the benefits of fluoride were discovered by a dentist in Colorado Springs in 1901*, fluoride has been utilized to help prevent cavities from forming.
Water fluoridation has been named one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.**
Along with water fluoridation, an adjunct service that dentists provide is a direct application of fluoride once a year. It can be in the form of a foam or a varnish.
We highly recommend this treatment once a year for adults and twice a year for children to keep your teeth strong and protected from cavity-forming bacteria.
Ask your provider about how fluoride treatment can benefit you.
*https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride/the-story-of-fluoridation
Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities on the occlusal surfaces of your teeth.
They are made of a similar material to tooth-colored filling material but they just flow in to the pits and grooves of your molars and “seal” them so that it is harder for bacteria to hide in those pits and grooves and cause cavities.
Typically, sealants are placed in your mid-childhood to teenage years, but they can be placed or replaced in adulthood.
It is particularly important to have sealants placed and maintained throughout your life if the pits and grooves of your molars are deeper. This is solely based on genetics and everyone’s molars are a little different.
Ask your doctor if sealants are right for you.