Preventative Care

Preventative Care in Huntington Beach, CA

Preventative dental care focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal oral health to keep patients' mouths and bodies healthy. Preventative care includes routine examinations, screenings, treatments, and services designed to prevent disease while supporting the health of the teeth and gums, in addition to all surrounding soft tissues and bone matter such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, jawbones, and maxillofacial structures.

What Does a Preventative Dental Care Appointment Include?

At Dental Oasis of Orange County in Huntington Beach, CA we provide patients with thorough, comprehensive preventative care during our routine dental appointments. During a routine dental appointment, you can expect to receive the following treatments and services:

• Prophylaxis (Professional Teeth Cleaning)
  Performed with a gentle touch by our skilled dental hygienists, professional teeth cleanings maintain the health and aesthetic appearance of the teeth. We use special tools and the latest technology to scale and polish the surface of each tooth and to gently clean beneath the gum line. A prophylaxis (preventative) cleaning removes the plaque, tartar, and calculus that accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth, putting patients at an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.

• Dental Examination and Gum Disease Assessment
  Routine dental appointments also include a thorough examination by a dentist, looking for signs of tooth decay, cavities, excessive wear and tear, or other potential oral health concerns. We also thoroughly assess the gums by measuring the depth of the pockets between the gums and each tooth. This assessment helps us evaluate gum health and detect signs of gingivitis and gum disease before they become serious.

• Oral Cancer Screening
  Our dentist also performs a thorough screening for potential signs of oral cancer. These routine screenings increase the chances of early detection and treatment which can vastly improve patient outcomes. Oral cancer screening includes a visual examination of the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and oral cavity as well as a physical examination of the gums, cheeks, jawline, and neck area. Our dentist looks for abnormalities such as unusual textures, colors, sores, lumps, or bumps in and around the mouth and neck.

• Evaluation of Current Dental Restorations
  If a patient has any existing dental restorations (dental fillings, inlays, onlays, dental crowns, bonding, veneers, bridges, dental implants, dentures, or another type of restoration), we also closely evaluate the restoration's condition and quality to ensure the patient's oral health is properly protected.

• Digital Dental X-Rays
  We typically recommend that patients have a set of dental X-rays taken at least once a year. X-rays allow our dentist to view the insides of a patient's teeth and the structures located below the gum line. This enables us to screen patients more closely for any potential signs of oral health issues.

• Patient Education and Guidance
  At each routine dental appointment, we also provide patients with ongoing education and guidance regarding the care of their teeth and gums at home in between appointments. We offer personalized recommendations for tools and products in addition to techniques that can specifically target any issues a patient might have.

‍Additional Preventative Dental Services and Treatments

Additional preventative care treatments that we recommend for patients of all ages during routine dental exams include:

• Professional Fluoride Treatments - A highly concentrated application of fluoride designed to remineralize tooth enamel, reverse early tooth decay, and prevent dental caries (also known as cavities) from forming.
• Dental Sealants - A thin application of tooth-colored composite resin painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars to protect tooth enamel and enhance oral hygiene.

How Preventative Dental Care Benefits You

Visiting the dentist regularly for preventative dental care provides patients with a wealth of benefits:

• Disease Prevention - Routine dental appointments are designed to reduce the risk of gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities, and oral infections.
• Early Detection and Treatment - In the event an oral health problem develops, routine dental appointments ensure the early detection and treatment of these issues. In fact, with routine dental care, oral health problems are often detected and treated before they cause the patient any noticeable symptoms, pain, or discomfort.
• Simpler Dental Care and Cost Savings - The early detection and treatment of oral health problems means that issues are addressed before they develop into complex concerns. This means that the treatments are simpler and less invasive. They are also less expensive. As a result, investing in preventative dental care can save you money in the long run on the more complex and extensive treatment of advanced dental problems and gum disease.
• Better General Health - The health of the mouth and body are closely linked. Maintaining good oral health safeguards the overall health of your body.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist for Preventative Care?

The American Dental Association recommends that healthy adult patients visit the dentist every six months for a routine examination and professional cleaning. However, every patient is different and has different oral health needs. If you have been diagnosed with an oral health condition such as periodontal disease or frequent dental cavities, then we might recommend a personalized schedule of more frequent dental appointments. At our office in Huntington Beach, CA you can expect a dental approach that is tailored to your specific needs!

Comprehensive Preventative Care and Oral Wellness With our Huntington Beach Dentist

At Dental Oasis of Orange County, we take pride in providing our patients with highly individualized care designed to address their unique needs while achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. We offer a comprehensive menu of preventative and general dental treatments and services, and we look forward to joining you on your journey to exceptional oral health.

To learn more about preventative care or to request an appointment, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Huntington Beach today.