Categories: General Dentist

General Dentistry Preventive Procedures to Improve Your Oral Health

While much of the work done in general dentistry involves treating oral diseases, a lot of effort also goes into initial prevention. Regular cleanings and examinations go a long way toward preventing dental issues and avoiding escalation into more serious oral health problems. In addition, there are other, more specific dental procedures performed for preventive purposes.

What preventive procedures are available?

Some preventive procedures are performed routinely as part of a regular general dentistry examination. Others are only performed under certain circumstances, upon the patient's request or the dentist's recommendation.

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. If there is decay present in its earliest stages, fluoride treatments can help to reverse it or at least slow it down. Most patients receive fluoride treatments twice a year, though some require it more often. Fluoride is painted onto the teeth as a varnish or administered as a gel or foam in a tray onto which the patient bites down. Depending on the administration route, fluoride has to remain on the teeth for a few minutes to a few hours to have the full effect.

Dental sealants

A sealant is a plastic coating applied to a tooth to prevent decay. It forms a protective barrier that prevents the sugars and acids that cause decay from reaching its surface. It can also help to prevent decay that is already present from forming a larger cavity. Sealants are often applied to the back teeth that are the most difficult to clean and are most effective when performed on children. These seals do not last forever and need to be reapplied every few years to maintain full protection.

Scaling and root planing

Sometimes routine dental cleaning is not enough to keep the mouth healthy. Bacteria can collect in pockets below the gumline and potentially cause periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing is a more advanced cleaning technique that goes below the gum line to remove those pockets of bacterial growth. If any recession has occurred due to periodontal disease, scaling and root planing can provide a cleaner, healthier surface for the gums to reattach.

Dental bonding

If a tooth is damaged or weak, dental bonding is a technique that can strengthen it to prevent further harm. Bonding involves applying a composite resin to the area of the tooth that is weak or damaged. The resin adheres with the tooth and becomes bonded permanently to it when cured with a blue light or laser. Bonding requires no drilling and can be performed within 30 to 60 minutes for one tooth. There is no change in the appearance of the tooth because the resin is matched to its color.

Conclusion

Plaque buildup and tooth decay can cause serious dental problems even despite the oral hygiene efforts of a patient. Preventive procedures performed in general dentistry can help prevent or slow down periodontal disease or other oral health disorders.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com or call Lasting Impressions Dental Group at (832) 784-8212 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Houston, TX.

Recent Posts

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…

Gum Problems And A Toothache

Due to the pain, you want to avoid a toothache and any problems with your gums. The solution is to focus on both as part of daily oral hygiene. That means you need to brush and floss after you eat, regardless of how many times a day. Also, you need to visit a dental clinic…

Restorative Options For A Front Broken Tooth

A broken tooth fills most people with dread, especially when it is near the front of the mouth. Fortunately, a dentist can recommend various repair or replacement options for damaged front teeth to help patients resume smiling.Teeth are naturally durable, but various circumstances can cause them to weaken to the point of cracking, chipping, or…

Ask A General Dentist About Tips For Dental Anxiety

Every general dentist understands how debilitating anxiety can be to dental patients. Thinking about a dental appointment is enough to stop a person’s ability to do daily living activities. You may feel this way about an upcoming major dental procedure. If you want to know how to deal with dental anxiety, here are some tips…

Lasting Impressions Dental Group

Share
Published by
Lasting Impressions Dental Group

Recent Posts

Four Benefits of Dental Crowns for Preventing Gum Disease

Dental crowns are well-known for their ability to create beautiful smiles, but they can also…

5 days ago

A Guide to a Standard Dental Crown Procedure

There are certain steps that dentists follow to ensure the safety and quality of dental…

2 weeks ago

Your Houston Family Dentist Recommends These 6 Everyday Oral Hygiene Habits

Learn some suggestions from your Houston family dentist on how to improve your oral hygiene…

2 weeks ago

A Comparison of Dental Crown Materials

Dental crowns come in a range of material options, including zirconium and porcelain. These materials…

3 weeks ago

How Can I Make Sure That My Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are a type of restoration that can last between 5 and 15 years…

4 weeks ago

Three Tips to Deal With a Loose Dental Crown

Dental crowns are supposed to last forever, right? In the right set of circumstances, they…

1 month ago