Preventative Dental Services
Maintain the Health of Your Smile!
At Total Dental Care, we believe that routine, preventive dentistry is critical to maintaining oral health. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
During your first appointment, we will discuss your dental concerns and goals and provide any necessary diagnostic screenings.
At your first dental cleaning and with each following cleaning, we will discuss any new dental concerns and review your at-home oral care routines so that your smile stays healthy between visits.
Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive dental exams are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, so it’s the first step for any new patient in our practice. During these exams, we will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall oral condition, identifying any issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early on. Regular exams allow for the prompt treatment of problems before they become more serious, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. By scheduling routine dental exams, you’re taking a proactive step toward preserving your smile and overall well-being.
Digital X-Rays
Modern technology has helped evolve x-Rays and panographic pictures into an easy, comfortable experience for each patient. They use less than 10% of traditional radiation, making them safe for everyone. Best of all, we can enhance a picture to a much higher resolution for a closeup view of any potential dental issues, allowing us to treat problems earlier.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile and overall well-being. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings with our Pekin Dental Hygienists can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by removing plaque and tartar buildup. Our team uses advanced dental hygiene tools such as the Cavitron and Piezo ultrasonic scalers, which combine high-frequency vibrations with water to clean your teeth and gums. Regular dental hygiene visits also reduce the risk of more serious health issues linked to poor oral health, such as heart disease and diabetes. By prioritizing your dental hygiene, you’ll maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums, so that your smile stays bright and your health stays protected.
Periodontal Treatment
If our hygienists find indications of periodontal disease, you can rest assured they will want to treat it quickly so it does not progress. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, make it difficult to control diabetes, and even contribute to heart attacks and strokes, so we take it seriously. However, we know that a deep cleaning can cause some sensitivity, so our hygienists are certified to provide local anesthetic to numb your gums to reduce or eliminate any discomfort. We also offer home care products to help you maintain your gum health at home.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are vital to maintaining overall health. They involve a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues to detect any early signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. By including regular oral cancer screenings in your dental care routine at Total Dental Care, you take a proactive step in safeguarding your health, so that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are vital tools in protecting teeth for both children and adults. Applied in our office as part of your dental hygiene visit, fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. For children, they support growing teeth, while for adults, they help maintain strong enamel. Additionally, fluoride treatments can reduce tooth sensitivity by reinforcing weakened areas of enamel, offering relief from discomfort. Regular fluoride applications are a simple yet effective way to enhance oral health and prevent cavities.
Night Guards
Night guards are crucial for individuals who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding. Custom-made to fit your mouth, these guards provide a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing the damage caused by grinding during sleep. Wearing a night guard helps reduce tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches while also preserving the integrity of your smile. Using a night guard protects your teeth from unnecessary stress and aids in your oral health to remain strong and healthy.
Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are essential for protecting your teeth and gums during athletic activities. Custom-fitted to your mouth, they provide a strong barrier against impacts, reducing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage. Whether you’re playing contact sports or engaging in recreational activities, a mouthguard helps your smile stay safe from accidental injury. Wearing a sports mouthguard protects your oral health and helps avoid costly dental repairs, allowing you to focus on the game.
Children’s Dentistry
Pediatric dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. These visits allow our hygienists to gently clean away plaque and tartar, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. During the exam, our doctors will check for any developmental issues, to make sure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy as they grow. We may recommend dental sealants to help keep decay-causing bacteria out of developing teeth.
Preventive Care Matters!
You'll Love Having a Healthy Smile
Preventive dental care offers significant long-term benefits, helping you maintain a healthy smile while reducing the risk of costly and invasive treatments.
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent up to 80% of dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. (American Dental Association)
- Individuals who maintain consistent preventive care are less likely to develop serious oral health issues, saving an average of 31% in dental expenses over a five-year period. (Journal of Dental Research)
- The control of periodontal disease can help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. (Center for Disease Control)
Preventive care also plays a crucial role in overall health. By practicing preventive care, such as regular dental visits, brushing, and flossing, you not only protect your oral health but also support your overall well-being, making it a vital investment in your future. Take care of your teeth, and they’ll take care of you!
Maintaining a solid at-home oral hygiene routine is vital for supporting your long-term oral health and overall well-being. Make sure to brush twice daily, floss regularly, incorporate a tongue scraper and mouthwash, and use toothpaste fortified with fluoride for optimal protection! And don’t forget to visit your Pekin dental hygienist at least twice a year!
Today’s modern digital dental X-rays are quite safe, emitting 80 – 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. The clarity of the image is also vastly improved, providing a sharper, more detailed picture of any issues with your teeth, resulting in earlier treatment that saves more of your natural tooth structure.
Dental fluoride is a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and cavities. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and is often applied during dental cleanings for added protection. By promoting remineralization, fluoride helps reverse early signs of tooth decay. Regular exposure to fluoride, whether through professional treatments or daily oral care, is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, cavity-free smile.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Early treatment is crucial to halt its progression, reduce inflammation, and prevent further damage. Addressing periodontal disease promptly not only protects your oral health but also contributes to your overall well-being.
