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Aside from a proper oral care routine at home, one of the best things you can do for your smile is to keep up with your regular appointments. The frequency of your visits depends on your level of dental health, but typically, you should come into our Pineville office for a routine checkup every six months. These visits include a comprehensive exam, x-rays, and a deep cleaning to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. The naturally occurring antibacterial properties of fluoride help prevent cavities by depositing minerals back onto your teeth in areas where mineral content has been lost. This process is called remineralization. Fluoride can be found in drinking water and in most toothpastes, but a professional fluoride treatment involves a highly concentrated gel that is applied to your teeth.
Fluoride treatments are completely painless and non-invasive, and they are especially useful for patients at high risk of developing cavities. Since children often have a higher intake of sugary foods and may not brush their teeth properly, fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for pediatric patients. Other patients who may have a high risk of developing cavities include those with poor dental hygiene, weak enamel, or dry mouth.
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth (usually the premolars and molars) to prevent tooth decay. Typically, dental sealants are only suggested for patients who are particularly prone to cavities, like children and teens, but who do not yet exhibit any signs of decay.
During this quick, painless treatment, Dr. Babb will paint the surfaces of teeth with liquid resin. When the sealant bonds into the tiny depressions and grooves of your teeth, it hardens and forms a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. While this shield protects your teeth from harmful bacteria build-up, dental sealants should not be considered a substitute for regular oral care. Patients with dental sealants will still need to brush, floss, and come in for regular checkups and cleanings to avoid dental issues.
Though the early stages of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) may not be visible to the naked eye, this common dental health issue affects about half of American adults. If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, or you notice that your gum line seems to be receding, these are signs of periodontal disease. Call or contact us online right away to schedule an appointment so we can help you address these symptoms and treat issues to prevent further damage.
The first line of defense against periodontal disease is regular brushing and flossing, and keeping up with routine cleanings. When teeth aren’t cared for properly with these preventive measures, bacteria can build-up in the mouth and turn into tartar. Once tartar forms on your teeth, it can only be removed by a dentists with professional grade tools. At Pineville Family Dentistry, we offer judgment-free periodontal care for all stages of gum disease, as well as preventive treatment to help you avoid this prevalent issue.
Not sure what’s involved in a teeth cleaning? The process is quite simple to understand. Let’s discuss what to expect from your first appointment at Pineville Family Dentistry.
First, you may need x-rays to be taken of your mouth if you’re a new patient. Dr. Babb will usually recommend yearly x-rays for existing patients, too. X-rays help us look for hidden oral health issues that may not be easy to spot with a visual exam alone.
After this, your dental hygienist at Pineville Family Dentistry will use a special tool to scrape plaque and tartar off of your teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup is very difficult to remove on your own, and contributes to cavities and gum disease.
Next, your teeth will be cleaned using gritty toothpaste and a specialized buffing tool. This makes them feel smooth and clean. Finally, dental floss will be used to clean between your gums and teeth, and remove any remaining debris.
After this, Dr. Troy Babb will come into your operating room. He’ll discuss your hygienist’s initial findings, then perform his own oral exam. Then, Dr. Babb will talk to you about your oral health, answer any questions you may have, and discuss any follow-up treatments that may be necessary.
Then, you’ll be sent home after scheduling your next six-month cleaning or any other necessary procedures, such as a filling for a cavity or a deep cleaning for gum disease.
Regular teeth cleanings from Dr. Troy Babb and the team at Pineville Family Dentistry have a lot of benefits.
First, they are very affordable and can save you a lot of money. Twice-yearly routine teeth cleanings are almost always 100% covered by dental insurance. That means going to the dentist twice a year is the best way to make the most of your insurance policy.
And even if you don’t have dental insurance, going to the dentist every six months can save you a lot of money. Routine cleanings are very affordable at our office, and they let Dr. Babb monitor your oral health, make sure you’re free of issues like gum disease and cavities, and provide advice on how to better care for your teeth.
This can save you a lot of money by preventing the need for dental procedures like fillings or crowns for decayed teeth, and more complex procedures like root canals or extractions for damaged or infected teeth.
Regular teeth cleanings also help keep your smile beautiful. Your hygienist at Pineville Family Dentistry can remove the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which can cause stains and discoloration. Your teeth will be bright, shiny, and beautiful after each cleaning.
Finally, routine appointments at Pineville Family Dentistry give you peace of mind. After each cleaning at our office, you’ll know that your mouth is healthy. And if there are issues that require further attention, you can schedule the care you need right away. You won’t have to worry about your oral health!
