Preventative Dentistry Specialist

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry refers to the practice of caring for your teeth and gums and preventing oral health issues before they occur. The aim of preventive dentistry is to take excellent care of your teeth and gums, ideally starting at a young age. To maintain optimal oral health, Dr. Felix recommends visits to the office for preventive dentistry services every six months, or more frequently in some cases.

How does preventive dentistry work?

At your preventive appointments, Dr. Felix thoroughly examines your oral health by performing comprehensive dental exams which involve assessing your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, neck, and lymph nodes. She also may opt for full mouth X-rays to make sure all your oral structures are in good shape.

Other preventive dentistry services Vista Family Dental Care provides at the office include:

Teeth cleanings

Talented dental hygienists help remove plaque and tartar that accumulate around your teeth. This is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dental hygienist also makes recommendations for your at-home dental care based on the condition of your teeth and gums.

Scaling and root planing

This is also referred to as a deep cleaning. It’s valuable if your oral health calls for extra care, typically if you have gum disease. Scaling refers to removing plaque deposits below your gumline with a special hook-ended dental tool, while root planing smooths the root of your tooth and re-attaches it to your gums.

Restoration evaluations

Dr. Felix performs ongoing evaluations of existing restorations you have, including fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures, and makes sure everything is in order.

Occlusal exam

During occlusal exams, Dr. Felix assesses how your upper and lower teeth interact with your bite. A bad bite can pose serious oral health risks and must be dealt with.

Why is preventive dentistry important?

Preventive dentistry limits your risk of developing oral health concerns such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth discoloration. In addition, preventive dentistry is essential to your overall health, decreasing your chances of developing serious conditions such as:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Respiratory disease

Reducing your risk for dental and other health issues can also save you money and time. Taking good care of your teeth and gums means less time and money spent on dental visits.

If you’d like to learn more about the preventive dentistry services at Vista Family Dental Care, call or schedule an appointment online today.