General and Preventive Dentistry
General and preventive dentistry is concerned with maintaining your dental health, diagnosis and identification of potential dental problems (often assisted with x-rays) and doing protective treatment to prevent future further damage to the teeth.
We have linked articles for some of these procedures denoted by a , be sure to click and read them too!
To see some of the general and preventive cases we've treated in the past, please check out our Dental Gallery.
our General and Preventive dentistry services
Prophylaxis (Professional Dental Cleaning)
removal of plaque buildup and tartar or calculus (hardened calcified plaque)
Stain Removal
using sandblasting, air prophy, or air polishing
Protective Treatments
- Fluoride Varnish Application: High-concentration fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel and help prevent decay.
- Sealant Application: Applying protective coatings to chewing surfaces (like molars) to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
- Mouthguard Fabrication: Customized mouthguards for patients experiencing bruxism or night grinding.
Restorative Fillings
using composite resin or glass ionomer material to restore and fill damaged tooth before they get even bigger
Digital Periapical X-rays
utilizing digital imaging to identify dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye
FAQs on general and preventive dentistry
How often should I visit the dentist?
For most patients, we recommend cleaning and checkup every six months. For higher risk patients, more frequent visits will be recommended. We can only advise so much and it will ultimately depend on the patient's own desire for their own dental well being.
What is the difference between a cleaning and preventive dentistry?
A cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses primarily on removing plaque or tartar buildup. Preventive Dentistry, however, is a broader concept that includes cleanings plus preventative treatments like fluoride applications, sealants, and X-rays to proactively prevent future decay and gum disease.
What should I do if I experience sensitivity or pain?
If you experience sudden sensitivity or persistent pain, contact us immediately. We will do our best to diagnose your case. Oftentimes it may require a filling, Fluoride application, or a root canal treatment. Sometimes, no treatment might be needed and the use of an anti-sensitivity toothpaste is advised.
Why do i need to take a periapical x-ray if i already have a panoramic x-ray?
While both are definitely helpful in diagnosing dental problems, each have their own uses and limitation. A panoramic x-ray is meant as a screening x-ray to see the entire oral cavity and surrounding regions in one shot, it lacks the resolution to see tinier details in a specific area. This is where the periapical x-ray comes into play, where it can see tinier details that would otherwise blend onto the panoramic x-ray as part of the background.
