Preventive Dentistry
Dentist Statesville, NC
Healthy smiles for healthy families start with professional family dentistry. At Jon C. Packman DDS, your bright, healthy smile is our top priority. Of course, you'll only smile if you're as happy with our service as you are with our dental treatment. That's why we take the time to listen to your needs and concerns. Not only do we listen to your concerns, but we use gentle, efficient cleaning techniques. We also hire caring, highly trained professionals. Our experienced team of specialists is invested in meeting all of your dental needs; from calming anxieties to teaching good habits, from regular check-ups to sophisticated dental surgery.
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At Jon C. Packman DDS, we take exceptional care of your oral health. Below are some of the preventive dental services that our practice provides.
Dental Cleanings
Annual professional teeth cleanings are quite essential if you are to maintain perfect oral health. Everyday brushing and flossing are not enough to ensure your teeth are perfectly clean. Here at Jon C. Packman DDS, we dental cleanings experts. Come to us, and we shall ensure your teeth are healthy and sparkly throughout.
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Dental Exams
Dental exams are an essential part of preventive dental healthcare. It would help if you got a dental examination regularly. Some dental health problems will just crawl up on you without much notice. Getting examined regularly will ensure nothing catches you by surprise. A dental exam checks for dental hygiene, teeth and gum infections, cavities, tooth fractures, and many other dental health issues. A dental exam encompasses your jaws, face, and neck as well. Your diet and lifestyle might be a subject of discussion during a dental exam as well.
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Oral Cancer Screening
To help detect cancer, you should undergo an oral cancer screening. At Jon C. Packman DDS, we can perform oral cancer screening to determine the presence of precancerous conditions. We recommend that all of our patients undergo regular screening for cancer and other oral condition.
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Dental Sealants
Sealants are generally used to help prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of back teeth (molars). The natural grooves of these teeth can trap food that can resist casual brushing and rinsing. If left in place, the trapped food allows bacteria to multiply, eventually causing tooth decay and requiring costly attention.
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Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride can be found in a variety of sources, including treated water sources and some oral care products. For many people, these sources are enough fluoride to remineralize the teeth and keep them healthy. Those who do not get enough are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Jon C. Packman DDS can help with fluoride treatments.
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Composite Dental Fillings
For decades, amalgam fillings have been the go-to choice for filling cavities. However, amalgam fillings, while strong, have a few major disadvantages. They are silver in color (so they stand out from the rest of your teeth) and they contain both metals and mercury. Composite dental fillings are made from composite resin. Along with matching the color of your natural tooth, the material bonds with the tooth’s structure, meaning less of the natural tooth needs to be drilled away. Composite fillings do not have any metal or mercury in them.
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Periodontal Care
Here at Jon C. Packman DDS, we offer the best periodontal care and ensure your teeth are always firmly rooted in your gums and jaw. Periodontal care concerns itself with the support structures of a tooth. Periodontal refers to the gums and the bone that surrounds and supports the tooth. It is important that these parts remain in good condition since they are the ones that hold the tooth in position.
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Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease (the terms are used interchangeably), is a serious oral health issue that requires professional treatment. The longer periodontal disease goes untreated, the worse it becomes, and it can have dire consequences on your oral (and overall) health. At Jon C. Packman DDS, we can provide you with periodontal treatment, helping you to get back your oral health as well as restore your quality of life.
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Periodontal Maintenance
At Jon C. Packman DDS, we try to exhaust all non-surgical periodontal treatments to remove plaque and tartar even from deep periodontal pockets, as well as smooth the root surfaces to help remove bacteria and their toxins. However, non-surgical therapy still has its limitations, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore periodontal health.
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Mouth Guards (Sport)
At Jon C. Packman DDS, our team can design and fit suitable mouth guards depending on your needs. Also known as mouth protectors or sports guards, this device has a singular objective. To protect your teeth from damage as a result of impact to your head and face. Mouth guards are common in athletes who participate in high impact sports such as gymnastics, hockey, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and skateboarding among other activities which may lead to a mouth injury.
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Mouth Guards (Night)
Here at Jon C. Packman DDS, we can fit suitable mouth guards to protect your teeth from grinding at night. You might be asking how one can know whether they suffer from grinding teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. If you wake up with a mild headache, tooth pain, and a sore jaw, then these may be indications you need a night guard to protect your teeth.
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Our office receives many questions about preventive dentistry. Here are some answers to our most common queries.
Preventive Dentistry Overview
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing dental problems before they occur. By combining regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle choices, preventive dentistry aims to avoid issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel wear. This proactive approach not only helps maintain a healthy smile but also saves time and money on extensive dental treatments in the long run.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry encompasses a variety of practices and treatments designed to prevent the onset of dental issues. These include:
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Routine visits to the dentist allow for early detection and treatment of dental problems. Dentists can identify signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious.
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Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can't eliminate. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
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Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect against cavities. They are especially beneficial for children.
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Dentists also provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary advice, and tips for maintaining oral health at home.
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Regular X-rays help detect problems not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities within teeth or issues with the jawbone. |
How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?
The general recommendation for dental cleanings is every six months. However, the frequency may vary based on individual needs and oral health conditions.
Smokers, diabetics, and those with a high-sugar diet may need more frequent cleanings due to an increased risk of dental issues. Some individuals prefer more frequent cleanings for the feeling of a fresh, clean mouth and peace of mind.
Individuals with good oral health and no significant issues may only need cleanings twice a year. However, those with a history of cavities or gum disease might benefit from more frequent visits.
Patients with periodontal disease often require more frequent cleanings, sometimes every three to four months, to manage the condition and prevent progression. Some people are more prone to plaque and tartar accumulation. Regular cleanings help remove these deposits and prevent cavities and gum disease.
What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is a key component of preventive dentistry, offering numerous benefits for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Fluoride helps to remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Strong enamel is less susceptible to decay and erosion.
By enhancing the resistance of teeth to decay, fluoride reduces the risk of cavities. It is particularly effective in children, whose developing teeth benefit significantly from fluoride exposure. In the initial stages of tooth decay, fluoride can help reverse the damage by promoting the remineralization of enamel. This can prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments.
Fluoride is widely available in various forms, including toothpaste, mouth rinses, and community water fluoridation, making it an accessible preventive measure for many people.
Did we answer all of your questions? If not, call us at (704) 978-7060 and we can address your additional concerns. |
