Achieve Optimal Oral Health with our Preventative Dental Services
It’s not surprising that your natural teeth or teeth with restorations survive better in a clean oral environment, where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our preventative dentistry helps to preserve teeth restorations, prevent new cavities, and manage periodontal disease. Our goal is to help you live a healthy lifestyle so you can enjoy your smile for the rest of your life.
The team at Sunnyside Dental Center believes prevention is the best medicine. We understand the importance of teaching you proper hygiene techniques and answering any questions you may have.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-Rays allows our team to get an in-depth look at your oral health. It can help us detect early signs of decay so we can provide the best treatment.
Fluoride Treatment
This cleaning procedure will provide your teeth with extra protection against tooth decay and leave you with an extra clean smile. Fluoride treatments make teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
Exams & Cleanings
Regular exams and cleanings will prevent more costly dental procedures in the future. We recommend visiting Sunnyside Dental Center at least twice a year to ensure a healthy smile.
Sealants
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pit and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Home Care Tips
- Simple teeth cleaning can be as simple and routine as brushing your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum.
- Floss every night in an up and down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
- Place dental sealants on children’s permanent teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preventative dentistry is a branch of oral health care that focuses on maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues through a combination of regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and practicing good oral health habits.
Preventative dentistry plays a vital role in preserving the health of your teeth and gums. By addressing dental problems in their early stages or even preventing them altogether, it helps avoid more extensive and expensive treatments down the line. It also contributes to overall well-being by reducing the risk of systemic diseases linked to poor oral health.
Preventative dental services encompass a range of treatments and procedures aimed at promoting and preserving oral health. These may include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, oral cancer screenings, X-rays, oral hygiene education, and personalized treatment plans.
The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Healthy gums tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth, where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slightly v-shaped crevice called a sulcus. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less.
Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss. The enlarged pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal diseases may eventually lead to tooth loss. Periodontal Disease has also been linked recently to Heart Disease.
The mouth is filled with countless bacteria. Periodontal disease begins when certain bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and surfaces lining the mount) produce toxins and enzymes that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The resulting inflammation, which may be painless, can damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the tooth.
If Plaque is not removed regularly it can harden into rough porous deposits called calculus, or tarter. The tartar’s pores hold bacteria and toxins, which are impossible to remove even with regular brushing. The only way to remove the tartar is to have it professionally removed in a dental office.
If you notice any of the following:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen,or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
You need to see your dentist to have your gums evaluated by the dentist or dental hygienist.
A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may move up or down toward the space. The places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.
In addition, the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place can break down, increasing the risk of gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them for likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may be lost.
A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. The pontic is attached to the crowns.
Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when disease or and accident ends in tooth loss, it’s good to know you have some options in restoring your smile.
Implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed beneath your gums. After placement the implants0plats fuse to the bone of your jaw and act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth – singularly or grouped on a bridge or denture – are then mounted to the implant.
Not all patients may be able to have implants as an option to replacing a missing tooth. Candidates need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant. Candidates must be in overall good health.
Typically, the majority of dental insurance or benefit plans provide coverage for preventive dental care, typically including two yearly visits, as well as costs associated with crowns, root canals, fillings, oral surgery, and in some cases, orthodontics or prosthodontics.
Poor dental health can lead to various dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, and oral infections. Additionally, emerging research suggests a connection between poor oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
Preventive dentistry involves a range of practices and treatments aimed at maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. These may include regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral health education.
Preventive dentistry focuses on preventing dental issues before they occur or addressing them at their earliest stages. It emphasizes proactive measures to maintain oral health. In contrast, restorative dentistry involves repairing and restoring damaged or decayed teeth through procedures like fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Practicing preventive dentistry offers numerous long-term benefits. It helps maintain strong and healthy teeth, prevents dental problems, reduces the need for extensive and costly dental treatments, enhances oral aesthetics, promotes better overall health, and contributes to a confident and radiant smile.
Preventive dentistry is equally important for seniors as it helps address age-related dental concerns. Regular check-ups allow for early detection and management of conditions like gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Preventive treatments and personalized care plans help seniors maintain optimal oral health and improve their overall quality of life.
Absolutely. Preventive dentistry can help alleviate dental anxiety by fostering a positive dental experience. Regular check-ups and cleanings create a routine and familiarity with the dental environment, building trust and reducing anxiety. Dentists who specialize in working with anxious patients can provide additional support and techniques to help manage dental anxiety.
Yes, preventive dentistry is beneficial for individuals with dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or dental implants. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings help monitor the condition of restorations, detect any issues early, and ensure their longevity. Proper oral hygiene practices also contribute to the health and longevity of dental restorations.
Usually we like to start seeing Children on a regular basis around the age of 3. We find that at this age they are better able to communicate with us, and understand what we are telling them. We do see children that are younger that 3 if the parent sees something in there mouth that they are concerned about.
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Do not give them a bottle with anything but water in it to go to sleep or for naps.
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pit and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants do not protect the teeth from decay in between the teeth. The best way to prevent decay from forming between the teeth is to floss daily and brush 2-3 times a day.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
Though brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. Pits and fissures, however, are places that are extremely difficult to clean. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque.
The normal flow of saliva, which helps clean food particles from other areas of the mouth, cannot “wash out” pits and fissures, so they are places that are especially prone to decay. In fact, most cavities form in pit and fissure areas, and permanent molars are extremely susceptible to this form of decay. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.
A crown is a restoration that covers, or caps, a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. Its purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown is placed for a number of reasons.
- to support a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining
- to attach a bridge
- to protect weak teeth from fracturing
- to restore fractured or cracked teeth
- to cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
- to cover a dental implant
Several steps are involved in placing a traditional crown. Usually at least two visits are necessary. The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing the outer protion of your tooth to accommodate the thickness of the crown. If the tooth has a filling, part of the material may be left in place to serve as as foundation for the crown. An impression is made to provide and exact model of the prepared tooth. Your dentist or dental laboratory technician, following the written instruction of the dentist, will then make the crown from the model.
It is generally recommended to visit the dentist for preventive dental care at least twice a year, or every six months. However, the frequency of visits may vary depending on individual oral health needs. Your dentist will assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations regarding the frequency of visits.
Poor oral health can lead to various dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, and oral infections. Additionally, emerging research suggests a connection between poor oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
Yes, preventive dentistry plays a crucial role in preventing gum disease. Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are major contributors to gum disease. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene habits and receiving professional guidance on proper oral care can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease.
Maintaining optimal oral health at home involves a combination of daily oral hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit sugary and acidic foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
No, preventive dentistry is important for individuals of all ages. It is particularly beneficial for children as it helps establish good oral health habits and prevents early childhood caries. However, adults can also benefit from preventive dental care to maintain their oral health and prevent dental problems.
No, preventive dentistry encompasses the health of both teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings not only ensure the health of your teeth but also allow for the early detection and treatment of gum disease. Maintaining good gum health is crucial for preventing tooth loss and maintaining overall oral health.
Yes, preventive dentistry can address the underlying causes of bad breath. Regular dental check-ups can identify and treat oral conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, or dry mouth that contribute to halitosis. Practicing good oral hygiene and receiving professional cleanings also help eliminate bacteria and plaque, improving breath freshness.
Incorporating preventive dentistry into your daily routine involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding harmful habits like tobacco use, and scheduling regular dental check-ups are essential for preventive oral health care.