Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)
The teeth are thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and calculus to prevent tooth decay. Special tools are used that are capable of removing calculus, which is hardened plaque that your toothbrush can’t remove.
What are Preventive & Diagnostic Dental Services?
Preventive and diagnostic services are the procedures performed during routine dental appointments. The goal of preventive services is to prevent dental and oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. The purpose of diagnostic services is to detect existing dental and oral health problems, such as cavities or soft tissue abnormalities, so that they can be treated.
Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry provides preventive and diagnostic dental services for children in Attleboro, MA. Call 508-409-6160 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Benefits of Preventive & Diagnostic Dental Services
The benefits of preventive and diagnostic services are numerous:
- Prevent tooth decay. Routine dental cleanings remove plaque from the teeth that brushing and flossing at home fail to remove. This prevents cavities from forming in teeth due to plaque bacteria. Fluoride treatments fortify tooth enamel to keep it strong and resistant to decay.
- Prevent gum disease. Dental cleanings to remove plaque can also prevent gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gum tissue caused by plaque bacteria. Keeping the gums healthy allows them to provide better support for the teeth.
- Early detection of oral health concerns. Routine oral evaluations also include an oral cancer screening. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves the outcome.
- Save money. Preventing tooth decay costs less than restorative procedures to repair damage to teeth or to replace teeth that are beyond saving. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive dental visits every 6 months.
- Save time. When routine dental visits are successful, you won’t need to bring your child back for additional treatment until the next routine visit, which saves you time.
- Keep natural teeth for life. Children only get one set of baby teeth and one set of permanent teeth in their lifetime. Preventive and diagnostic dental services help preserve your child’s natural teeth so they can remain in place for the rest of their life.
Why Choose Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry?
We believe that preventive and diagnostic dental services are some of the most important services we provide as a pediatric dental practice. Preventing decay in baby teeth promotes the health of the permanent teeth that will follow. Tooth enamel cannot be healed or recouped once it is lost. Damaged or decayed teeth can only be patched (fillings), covered (crowns), or replaced (bridges and implants).
Our office is equipped with the latest technology in dental diagnostics to provide the most accurate images of the teeth, mouth, and face. This allows us to provide the highest quality care possible, through early detection and treatment.
We do our best to educate and motivate children to take care of their teeth. It is our goal to help them learn healthy habits that will establish the foundation for a lifetime of dental health. We make dentistry friendly and fun so that children want to take care of their teeth just to show us how well they’ve done since their last visit.
Providing dental care from a young age supports lifelong smiles. Early dental visits, including the first visit after the first tooth, help protect a child’s oral health and reduce dental anxiety. Following guidance from the American Dental Association, our focus on preventive care includes education on fluoride toothpaste, cleaning chewing surfaces of back teeth, and flossing daily. Through regular check ups, families learn proper dental care that is highly effective.
Procedures Offered
We provide the following preventive and diagnostic services:
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments are applied to children’s teeth to harden enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
Comprehensive Oral Evaluation
A comprehensive oral evaluation is a thorough examination of the mouth, head, and neck. The dentist is looking for dental or oral health concerns such as signs of cavities, gum disease, or soft tissue abnormalities.
Digital Radiographs (X-Rays)
Dental X-Rays are used to detect cavities, bone defects, tumors, cysts, and to check the shape and condition of teeth below the gums. Digital imaging uses a fraction of the radiation that is required for traditional film X-Rays, making them more widely used by most dental practices.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Children will also receive instructions on brushing and flossing techniques to improve their oral hygiene at home.
Dental Sealants
Teeth that have deep grooves or crevices in their natural shape are more susceptible to decay. Dental sealants are used to make the tooth surface more even and smooth to prevent decay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventative Dentistry
Are fluoride treatments necessary?
We highly recommend fluoride treatments for children for a variety of reasons. Children are still learning effective brushing and flossing techniques, putting them at a higher risk of decay. Fluoride treatments also aid in the development of tooth enamel, strengthening it to provide resistance to decay from plaque.
Are X-Rays safe for children?
Dental X-Rays are a normal part of pediatric dentistry. Digital radiography uses significantly less radiation than traditional film X-Rays, making them safer than ever before. We also place a protective apron over the body to block exposure to vital organs.
How often should children brush and floss their teeth?
We recommend brushing twice a day, in the morning and at night before going to bed. We also recommend flossing once a day, either in the morning or at night. This routine goes a long way toward prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
How often should children have preventive and diagnostic dental services?
Dental cleanings and oral evaluations should be scheduled every 6 months for children. Diagnostic services such as digital X-Rays are typically done once a year during one of the two routine yearly appointments.
Does dental insurance cover preventive and diagnostic services?
Most preventive and diagnostic services are covered by dental insurance plans. Twice yearly dental cleanings and exams and once yearly X-Rays are typically covered. Contact your insurance provider or refer to your benefits guide for specific information about your plan and coverage.