Preventive Dentistry
Richmond, VA
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 Preventive Dentistry focuses on maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they develop or worsen. It encompasses a range of preventive measures, treatments, and practices aimed at keeping the teeth, gums, and mouth healthy for life.
Dental cleanings are used to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A dental hygienist or dentist will remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque buildup from teeth surfaces and sometimes also perform other preventative dental services during the visit, like fluoride treatment and dental sealants. Dental cleanings are essential to lower the risk of complications like gum inflammation and tooth decay, as the dentist might recommend additional appointments to examine your oral health.
Dentists recommend children and adults receive dental exams every six months. These oral exams can help dentists find early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems at a stage when they are easily treatable. Dental exams involve thorough dental cleaning by a dental hygienist, dental x-rays that can show signs of cavities, bone loss, and other diseases, and a complete oral checkup by a dentist.
Dentists recommend adults have oral screenings every three years after they reach the age of 20. Those adults who are above 40 years of age must have annual oral screenings. Oral cancer screenings are performed by a doctor or dentist to check for signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions in the oral cavity. Dental professionals can detect early signs of cancer, like red or white patches in the oral cavity, lumps in the neck area, bad breath, and ulcers that are not healing, which can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Dentistry for kids, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a specialized field of dentistry focused on providing comprehensive oral health care to infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special needs. Pediatric dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school to address the unique dental needs and concerns of young patients, including those with developmental, behavioral, or medical conditions. Here's an overview of dentistry for kids:
A dentist will spread a translucent sealant onto the child's teeth surface, which will fill the deep grooves of teeth where food particles and bacteria are likely to deposit. This process reduces the chances of cavities formation.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is essential to strengthen and protect your child's teeth. The fluoride solution is coated over each individual tooth, which provides strength to the tooth enamel and fights bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
Periodontal care refers to the specialized treatment and maintenance of the gums (periodontium) and supporting structures of the teeth. It is focused on preventing, diagnosing, and managing gum disease (periodontal disease), which is caused by bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental treatment designed to prevent the progression of periodontal (gum) disease and maintain the health of the gums, teeth, and supporting structures following periodontal therapy. It is typically recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease or have a history of periodontal issues.
Dentists recommend mouth guards for a variety of reasons, including TMJ pain relief and obstructive sleep apnea. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, missing teeth, tooth displacement, soft tissue injuries, broken jaw, and other oral health problems.
Night guards are also recommended to patients who grind their teeth at night in order to reduce jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms. At Riverwind Dental we highly recommend our patients be well-educated about different preventative dentistry services. Our dental professionals Dr. T. James Dix and are available to help their patients understand their dental problems and seek treatment promptly. Call us at (804) 280-0853 to schedule your appointment. |
