Prevention Services
Preventative Dentistry is becoming a very wide based thing for dentists, hygienists, and C.D.A.’s.
When prevention first became a concern for dentistry we were out to prevent one thing. Cavities. We already knew how to fix them. Fillings. Of course, we still do emphasize and promote this type of prevention.
Then, many of us in the dental profession were made to realize that we could help people avoid, prevent, or even cure existing gum disease. To do this, it is our belief that a healthy team approach must exist between dentist, hygienist, assistant and client (that’s you!) with the team approach we can have amazing success preventing or even getting rid of gum disease. By the way, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss!
Gum disease is inflammation due to the presence of bacterial plaque. Our immune system reacts to the bacteria and the result is red bleeding gums and later on bone loss and loose teeth. (ie. Gingivitis leads to periodontitis).
We also know that if we can keep teeth and gums healthy we can help to avoid or lessen the effects of heart disease, diabetes, premature birth with pregnancy, and possibly certain forms of cancer. Please visit our section entitled “maintaining health”.
Other important areas of prevention that we provide through our clinic are: early childhood orthodontic interception (see orthodontics), appliances to prevent destruction of teeth and jaw joints from grinding and clenching, and sealants to prevent certain cavities.
Diagnostics
We provide complete oral examination, which includes digital x-rays to provide Dr. Levin with the information needed to do an accurate treatment plan, VELscope screening to help diagnose abnormal tissue, including cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue. We also have a Panoramic x-ray machine that takes an x-ray of your whole mouth, allowing the dentist to see more detail of the positioning of all your teeth
Sealants
Sealants are a safe, painless, and low cost way to help protect your child’s teeth from decay. A thin plastic coating (sealant) is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Night Guards
Many people grind their teeth. Often, people grind their teeth in their sleep. Stress can contribute to teeth grinding. Grinding may cause teeth to wear down, enamel to chip, and teeth to crack. It may also lead to jaw muscle or joint problems, headaches, earaches and sensitive teeth. A simple solution is to wear a Night Guard. It can help you sleep better at night and protect your smile by keeping your teeth from being damaged.
Hygiene/Periodontal Health
Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film (plaque) on teeth and gums. If not removed, this film hardens into a crust (tartar, also called calculus). A buildup of plaque and tartar can cause an infection called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Scaling and root planning is a special type of cleaning done by a dental hygienist. This cleaning removes plaque and tartar. It helps restore the health of your teeth and gums.
Sport Guards
Anyone involved in athletic activities should consider wearing a mouth guard. Mouth Guards protect teeth, tongue, cheeks, lips and jaws from injury. They also help avoid more serious injuries, including concussions, jaw fractures and neck injuries. We make custom mouth guards to fit you comfortably.