Preventive Care
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care should ideally start at home. Practicing good oral hygiene and eating a balanced diet go a long way to promote dental health. At Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center, we continue the process of preventive care by monitoring, maintaining, and restoring your oral health. Our chief aim is to keep you as healthy as possible and support your natural teeth for life.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care is taking appropriate care of your oral health to prevent cavities, gum disease, and damage to your teeth, gums, and bones. Your oral health will directly influence your general wellbeing. Insufficient oral care and problems in your mouth may be linked to other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Robust oral health can also help keep you from unnecessary stress and save you money in the long run.
Professional Preventive Care Procedures
Preventive care procedures comprise the most basic services that have been used successfully for decades while adapting to recent technological innovations. These procedures include:
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Cleanings and Exams
Professional cleaning involves physically removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas near the gum line. A regular exam will help the dentist identify oral problems in their initial stages and provide the necessary treatment.
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Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays can help reveal signs of disease not visible to the naked eye. They can identify tooth decay, gum disease, bone density, bone volume, and tumors. The precise data collected from dental X-rays can assist in better treatment planning for you.
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Dental Sealants
These transparent plastic coatings fill the deep grooves in back teeth to keep them from becoming a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. They prevent the formation of cavities, thereby avoiding the need for fillings at a later date.
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Fluoride
This mineral is already present in the teeth’s mineral structure, thus making them stronger and more decay-resistant. Fluoride can even cure minor cavities that are about to form. If you are not getting sufficient fluorides from your toothpaste and drinking water, they can be added directly to your teeth at the dental office.
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Nightguards
If you have the habit of clenching your teeth during sleep, a customized nightguard can help take the pressure off your teeth and prevent the premature wear and tear of your teeth. They are extremely beneficial if you are suffering from TMJ disorders.
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Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screening gives you a head start for surviving oral cancer. Early detection means fighting the disease in its initial stages and overcoming it. For this reason, cancer screenings are carried out as part of your regular dental checkups.
If you are interested in learning more about our preventive care treatments, call Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center in Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 at (360) 855-0351 and schedule an appointment.