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Preventative Care

smiling molar

What is preventive care?

Preventive care refers to a group of procedures used to diagnose and manage oral health problems early on when they respond best to treatment.

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Many common issues, including gum disease and cavities, present few noticeable symptoms, meaning you might be at risk and not realize it.

Preventive care can alert you to these issues in their beginning stages, preserving your oral health for years to come.

What services does preventive care include?

Nashville Smile Creations offers various preventive care services, including:

  • Cleanings and Exams

  • Oral X-rays

  • Oral Cancer Screening

  • Dental Sealants

  • Flouride Treatments

Cleanings and Exams

During an oral exam, your Nashville Smile Creations provider assesses the health of your teeth, gums, and tongue. They use a circular, handheld mirror to observe every part of your mouth, looking for any potential problems.

Teeth cleaning is a routine procedure performed by a dental hygienist. During a teeth cleaning, your hygienist carefully removes plaque from your tooth enamel and underneath your gum line. They then polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste, floss, and apply a fluoride treatment.

Oral X-rays

Oral X-rays use low doses of radiation to take detailed photographs of your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone. X-rays help to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. In addition, they can pinpoint impacted teeth, help guide oral surgery, and play an essential role in dental implant placement.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer affects people of all ages, but it's prevalent in tobacco users and those who regularly drink alcohol.

During an oral cancer screening, your Nashville Smile Creations provider observes your gums and tongue, looking for signs of cancerous growths. If they find anything unusual, your provider can take a biopsy (tissue sample) and send it to a lab for testing.

Dental Sealants

Nashville Smile Creations might recommend dental sealants if you have a history of cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the top and sides of your teeth. They prevent harmful bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel.

Fluoride treatments

If you have weak teeth, consider a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that supports your teeth and prevents cavities.

How often should I make a preventive care appointment?

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, Nashville Smile Creations recommends scheduling a preventive care appointment every six months.

Regular checkups present an opportunity to ask questions, check in on your oral health, and gain important insights about good oral hygiene.

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