Preventive Dental Care: Because Prevention is the Best Treatment
Prevention is always the best treatment when it comes to your dental health. Not only does it save you time and money, but it also helps you maintain good oral health and a beautiful smile. At Gentle Family Dentistry, Bakersfield, CA, preventive dentist Dr. Jonathan Garger and our team understand the importance of preventive dentistry, and we strive to educate our patients about the benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Learn more by reading the helpful guide below or by calling our Kern County dental practice at 661-664-9900.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry encompasses all the dental care practices and treatments designed to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. By implementing comprehensive preventive care strategies, we help our patients avoid serious dental issues and maintain healthy smiles for life. Preventive dentistry is most effective when it begins in early childhood and continues throughout your lifetime.
The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Regular preventive dental care offers numerous advantages for your oral and overall health:
- Early Detection: We can identify and treat potential problems before they become serious, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
- Improved Oral Health: Regular preventive care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing decay and periodontal disease.
- Cost Savings: Prevention is typically less expensive than treating dental problems after they develop.
- Better Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to better general health, including reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Enhanced Confidence: A healthy, well-maintained smile helps you feel more confident in social and professional situations.
- Long-term Tooth Preservation: Regular preventive care helps you keep your natural teeth for life.
Our Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry Services
Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are crucial for maintaining good oral health. During these visits, Dr. Garger performs a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and existing dental work. He also checks your bite and jaw alignment, reviews your medical history, and addresses any concerns you may have.
Digital X-Rays
Modern digital X-ray technology provides essential diagnostic information while minimizing radiation exposure. These X-rays offer immediate image availability, enhanced decay detection capabilities, and easy comparison with previous images to track changes over time.
Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings are vital for maintaining oral health. Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup, perform scaling below the gum line, and polish teeth to remove surface stains. They also provide personalized oral hygiene instruction and product recommendations.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment, which is why we offer oral cancer screenings. Our screening process includes a visual examination of all oral tissues, physical palpation of the neck and jaw, and the use of advanced screening technology to detect changes not visible to the naked eye.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments provide extra protection against tooth decay. Sealants create a barrier against cavity-causing bacteria on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, while fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and can even reverse early decay.
Periodontal Disease Prevention
Our comprehensive periodontal care includes regular assessment of gum health, professional cleaning tailored to specific needs, and early intervention for signs of gingivitis. We also develop customized home care routines and ongoing maintenance programs for patients with a history of gum disease.
Protective Mouthguards
We offer custom-fitted mouthguards for various purposes, including athletic protection, night guards for teeth grinding, and TMJ appliances to reduce jaw pain and protect tooth structure.
Children’s Preventive Care
Our specialized preventive care for young patients includes age-appropriate cleanings and examinations, monitoring of dental growth and development, and education about proper oral hygiene habits.
Sleep Apnea Screening
We provide comprehensive airway evaluation during regular exams, assess risk factors for sleep apnea, and offer custom-fitted oral appliances when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and getting regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent dental problems from occurring. It can also help to rinse between meals so sugar and particles don’t get stuck to your teeth.
Many dental insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings as preventive services. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance plan to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, talk to your preventive dentist about financing options.
Our preventive dentist recommends getting a dental exam and cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health. However, depending on your pre-existing oral health, they may recommend that you visit more often.
No, preventive dentistry is important for patients of all ages. It’s especially important for children and teenagers to establish good oral hygiene habits and receive regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent cavities and other dental issues. We offer preventive dentistry services for patients of all ages.
Call Today & Schedule Your Preventive Care Appointment
Don’t wait for dental problems to develop. Take control of your oral health with preventive care at Gentle Family Dentistry. Contact our Bakersfield office at 661-664-9900 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Garger.
Our Kern County dental practice welcomes patients of all ages and is committed to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile through comprehensive preventive care. We’re here to serve new and returning patients from Bakersfield and surrounding areas such as Gosford, Alameda, and Lakeview, CA.