A family dentist is an excellent choice for many people. This professional is trained to diagnose and treat common dental conditions in patients of all ages so that an entire family can visit the same dentist. That makes it easy for busy households to schedule routine care and preventative treatments. Patients should always work with a dental professional to determine the appropriate treatment options for their unique needs.
While each person must work directly to establish a suitable care routine, some preventative measures are more common than others. Patients are most likely to encounter the following treatments during an exam at a general dentist's office.
Cleanings are recommended approximately every six months for most people. During this procedure, a technician carefully removes any tartar buildup on and between teeth and polishes them to a shine. Routine cleanings allow technicians to address hard-to-reach areas that individuals may miss during daily brushing and flossing. It is also a good opportunity for patients to ask questions about proper dental care.
Modern technology means that a family dentist can get a clear view of the patient's teeth within minutes. Whether through a standard set of bitewings or a panoramic 3-D model of the mouth, digital X-rays allow dentists to see any hidden problems and address them quickly. That limits the amount of damage that might otherwise spread to nearby teeth and gums. X-rays are also an excellent tool to monitor jaw alignment and improve early detection of any abnormalities.
Dental sealants are a quick and comfortable preventative dentistry treatment. During an appointment, a thin layer of sealer is placed over the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are most commonly used in the larger, back teeth such as molars and premolars, and they work particularly well in children and teens who may be a little lax in general cleaning procedures. Sealants limit cavity formation and decay by preventing food and bacteria from attaching to dental surfaces.
Fluoride applications are proven to help prevent tooth decay and are an essential tool in preventative dentistry. Fluoride can be applied directly to teeth in a thin layer with a brush or by temporarily fitting a tray filled with fluoride gel over the teeth. Either way, the process is relatively quick and straightforward. Fluoride treatments help remineralize teeth and reduce the likelihood of cavities, cracks, chips, and decay. Some patients also find that they help with tooth sensitivity that is triggered by extreme temperatures.
In many cases, education can be an excellent tool for preventing dental problems, especially when it comes to young patients who are unsure about how to care for their teeth and gums properly. The right dentist will encourage questions and provide thorough, appropriate answers to them.
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Family Dentist Preventative Treatments in Huntsville, AL
A family dentist should be viewed as an essential partner in your family's dental care. Utilizing modern tools and practices, these dental professionals employ various techniques designed to keep teeth healthy and strong.
Request an appointment or call Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
According to a survey by the American Dental Association, 85% of Americans understand that there is a strong correlation between oral health and total health, and a family dentist helps patients make this connection. Dental diseases and poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of other issues, so patients should prioritize preventive and early…
Many people get the majority of dental care from a family dentist. These types of dentists are tasked with maintaining patients' oral health and may perform a variety of procedures to do so. From cleaning to crowns to exams, family dentists can cover the essentials of oral health. These are some of the most common…
A natural mineral found in teeth, fluoride is a treatment frequently recommended by a family dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, keeps teeth strong, and has been part of healthy oral hygiene for many years. This mineral has an incredible impact on the enamel of the teeth, the hard protective layer around the nerves. It also…
According to a survey by the American Dental Association, 85% of Americans understand that there is a strong correlation between oral health and total health, and a family dentist helps patients make this connection. Dental diseases and poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of other issues, so patients should prioritize preventive and early…
Root canal therapy is a procedure that allows dentists to save severely decayed, damaged, or infected teeth. The root canal procedure involves going to the pulp chamber of a tooth to remove the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues there. This brings an end to infections and protects against them. It also stops any pain…