Preventative Dentistry Calgary

Preventative Dentistry Calgary

The Best Way to Pay a Dental Bill is to Prevent One

Preventative dentistry services include regular dental cleanings and exams, which are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By focusing on preventative dentistry care, you can avoid costly dental procedures in the future.

Regular Dental Exams

Dental exams are typically done with regular dental hygiene appointments and have often been viewed as a quick “look-see” by the doctor. “Many even” think the dentist is simply checking the hygienist’s work. This ishygienist’s misconception can’t be further from the can’t. Although a dental exam may appear short from the patient’s perspective, patient’s, also known as oral exams, are a critical component to the maintenance of our patient’s oral and overalpatients’

The dentist will use a systematic approach to address any oral health concerns our patients may have, thoroughly inspect all surfaces of every tooth, assess the health of the surrounding gums and tissues, and use new or previous X-rays to assist in the diagnosis. The dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

• Complete Patient Exams: Patients new to our clinic, who have been here before but never received a complete exam, or patients who have been at the clinic and have had a significant amount of work done will be encouraged to have a complete patient exam. The exam thoroughly analyzes all the teeth, gums, and other anatomy of the head and neck. During this exam, we also take the opportunity to collect sufficient data such as x-rays and period charting, which will allow us to detect findings like cavities and gum disease (periodontal disease).

• Recall Exams: If a patient has been to our clinic in the past and has had a new patient exam before, they will receive a recall exam when they come in for their regular hygiene appointments. We recommend that patients have a recall exam every six months so that the dentist can assess any changes in their oral health and stop a disease pattern like tooth decay or gum disease as early as possible.

• Emergency/Specific Exams: These are a particular type of exam that focuses on a single area of concern. The purpose of the exam is to address something like a chipped tooth, which is an esthetic concern to the patient, or to locate the source of infection and pain. This isolated treatment area is likely diagnosed and planned after one of these exams.

Having regular dental exams done every six months plays a massive role in the prevention of disease progression. Without a dental exam, some things like dental decay and gum disease can go unnoticed as they do not always have associated symptoms of pain. It is much easier for our patient’s well-being, health, and finances to address issues early rather than waiting for the situation to worsen, ultimately making treatment more expensive and less predictable.

Preventative Dentistry Care

When you visit East Village Dental, we aim to ensure you leave with the best education about preventative dentistry care and oral health. Preventative dentistry care involves regular check-ups, cleanings, and developing healthy dental habits.

Preventative dentistry focuses on maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues before they occur.

Digital X-Rays and Intra-Oral Photos

Our motto, ‘Seeing is Believing,’ drives our approach to dental care, where we focus on showing rather than just telling. Using advanced imaging technologies such as digital X-rays, intra-oral cameras, and 3D imaging, we provide clear, immediate visual evidence of your oral health. These tools reduce radiation exposure and allow for precise diagnostics and patient education. As we guide you through each image on dual computer screens at each station, you can see the exact areas we’re concerned with and understand the proposed treatments comfortably from your chair.

Oral Health Hygiene Instruction

Proper home dental care and an excellent oral hygiene routine are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. During our preventative dentistry appointments, we stress this to all patients. Our role in the dental office is to give you the information and guidance to practice good oral hygiene at home and to treat conditions that arise when oral hygiene is less than ideal. Your role as a patient is to apply this information to your lifestyle to maintain healthy teeth and gums for as long as possible.

Healthy dental habits early in life can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Some of the things we recommend include:

• Use an ELECTRIC toothbrush with soft bristles at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque and reduce the chances of the gums receding due to over-scrubbing with a manual toothbrush.

• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash. The more exposure to topical fluoride, the better. Not only does it have antimicrobial properties, but it also helps in the remineralizing process of the teeth and protects against future tooth decay.

• FLOSSING at least once a day. It is widespread to see tooth decay between teeth when the toothbrush is impractical. Flossing alone does not necessarily reduce levels of decay, but flossing with a good technique can. The proper technique is to fit the floss between the teeth, hug one of the teeth by creating a ‘C’ shape around it, and ‘l’ssing in an up and down manner. You would then do the same thing to the neighboring tooth before pulling the floss out between the teeth.

• A HEALTHY DIET is essential for the health of the mouth and the whole body. Sufficient diets in all the major food groups will help ensure tissue health. It is also encouraged to consume less sugary snacks to reduce the chance of tooth decay.

• SMOKING CESSATION is essential, especially for those with periodontal disease, as smoking will rapidly enhance the progression of the disease. For those without periodontal disease, smoking can significantly increase the risks of getting periodontal disease as well as certain oral cancers. Alcohol consumption should only be done in moderation for similar reasons.

• Regular MAINTENANCE, including recall dental exams and professional cleanings. It is essential to follow the exam and hygiene frequency that your dentist and dental hygienist prescribe. Some hygiene appointments are recommended every six months, and for some patients, every three months, depending on your unique needs. This is not to say your exam and hygiene intervals will not change in the future, but they are recommended for you at your particular stage in maintaining oral health.

Sealants for Tooth Decay

Sealants are a preventative dentistry measure to prevent excessive tooth decay in the grooves of teeth. They are a plastic resin-like substance that flows into the grooves and hardens to prevent bacteria from being harbored within and out of reach from the teeth when cleaning your toothbrush. Sealants are most commonly used in children whose adult teeth have recently erupted, but can also be used in older individuals. The dentist recommends sealants to some patients who would benefit from additional protection.

At East Village Dental, preventative dentistry services are readily available to help maintain oral health. This includes routine cleanings, exams, and personalized advice to prevent dental issues before they develop. Ensuring regular visits allows for early detection and management of potential oral health concerns.