If you want to lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important to participate in routine preventive care appointments. At Nashville Smile Creations, Janet Clodfelter, DDS, and the team provide preventive care to people of all ages, including oral exams, teeth cleaning, and oral X-rays. To schedule an appointment at the Nashville, Tennessee, practice, book online or call the office today.
Preventive care refers to a group of procedures used to diagnose and manage oral health problems early on when they respond best to treatment.
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 and other issues in their beginning stages, preserving your oral health for years to come.
Nashville Smile Creations offers various preventive care services, including:
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 potential problems.
A 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 from underneath your gum line. They then polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste, floss your teeth, and apply a fluoride treatment.
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 important role in dental implant placement.
Oral cancer affects people of all ages, but it’s especially common 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.
If you have a history of cavities, Nashville Smile Creations might recommend dental sealants. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the top and sides of your teeth. They prevent harmful bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel.
If you have weak teeth, consider a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that supports your teeth and prevents cavities.
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, Nashville Smile Creations recommends scheduling a preventive care appointment once 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.
To receive preventive care in a welcoming, warm environment, schedule an appointment at Nashville Smile Creations. Book a consultation online, or call the office to speak with a caring team member today.
