Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry provides a solid foundation of good oral health and helps patients maintain their healthy smiles for life. At Oakwood Dental, we recognize how important it is to prevent oral health care problems before they start and address them just as soon as they develop. This is why we recommend comprehensive preventive dental care to all of our patients.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the branch of dentistry that is primarily concerned with preventing oral health problems from developing, maintaining good oral health, and detecting and addressing any concerns that do arise as soon as they come up.
Preventive Dentistry Treatments at Oakwood Dental
We have a comprehensive list of preventive dentistry treatments available at our dental office in Bucyrus, including:
Dental Hygiene and Exams
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, routine dental exams and cleanings are essential to preventing dental problems and maintaining good oral health.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the most common treatment for cavities caused by tooth decay. Modern fillings use tooth-colored resin to fill dental caries caused by tooth decay to protect and restore teeth.
Oral Cancer Screening
Each of our dental exams includes an oral cancer screening to help patients detect the earliest signs of cancer for early treatment and improved outcomes.
Tooth Extractions
We always do everything we can to preserve a patient’s natural teeth. Extractions, however, are sometimes still necessary.
Sealants
We recommend sealants for all of our patients who have natural molars. Sealants both shield the surface of the molars in addition to smoothing out the chewing surfaces, making them easier to clean and preventing tooth decay.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a quick, simple, and incredibly effective preventive dental treatment designed to remineralize the teeth and strengthen tooth enamel against tooth decay. Professional fluoride treatments can even help reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
Pediatric Dentistry
Our dentists and team love working with children of all ages, and we enjoy setting children up for a lifetime of good oral health. We tailor our care approach and treatments to meet our young patients’ individual needs and provide them with the dental care or orthodontics that are most appropriate for their current stage of development.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
A periodontal disease diagnosis should not be ignored. This bacterial infection of the gums causes local problems to develop in the mouth, and it can also lead to the development and/or worsening of several systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, reproductive problems, and more.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two treatments (usually performed in tandem) that can address more severe cases of periodontal disease by removing tartar buildup below the gum line and smoothing the roots’ surfaces to discourage future bacterial growth.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Certain sleep apnea cases can be successfully addressed by correcting malocclusion or TMD problems. A custom mouthguard worn during sleep and designed to position the jaws to maintain an open airway may also address sleep apnea.
Athletic Mouthguards
It’s essential to protect your teeth and dental appliances while participating in sports. Our dentists can fit you with a custom-designed mouthguard that fits perfectly or a mouthguard that fits over braces.
Nightguards
If you have been diagnosed with sleep bruxism, a condition marked by clenching one’s jaw or grinding one’s teeth during sleep, a nightguard can help relieve your symptoms and protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Bucyrus for Your Whole Family
In addition to our exhaustive list of general and preventive dental treatments, we also offer a variety of restorative and cosmetic dental options, orthodontics and aesthetic services. To learn more about dental care at Oakwood Dental or to schedule an appointment for your next dental exam, we welcome you to contact our office today.