Preventive Services

Preventive services are designed to prevent dental issues from forming in the first place. These services may include routine cleanings and exams, as well as education to help you protect your oral health.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are part of preventive care. Cleanings typically go hand in hand with exams. During an exam, at Fallbrook Dental Care, our dentist will check your teeth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential issues. During cleanings, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your smile.

Why Should I Get Preventive Care?

Preventive care, like checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, can help catch problems before they get worse. This keeps your mouth in good health and reduces the need for more complicated treatment.

Types of Preventive Services

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Calculus, which is a hardened form of plaque, cannot be removed by simply brushing or flossing.

Dental cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. The amount of time between cleanings depends on a patient’s oral hygiene routine.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments can help prevent tooth decay. During your dental cleaning, a hygienist will apply fluoride to your teeth. Fluoride treatments help strengthen the enamel layer so that your teeth are less prone to decay.
 

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps promote oral health and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Many public water sources contain fluoride, so your family may already be getting this mineral from your drinking water.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of your molars to act as a protective barrier, preventing food and bacteria from collecting in the tiny grooves and pits of your tooth enamel.

If left unprotected, these pits and grooves can collect debris and bacteria, causing cavities. Sealants can effectively reduce cavities by 90%.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital dental x-rays are state-of-the-art tools that allow a dentist to get a very close look at your teeth, jawbone, and soft tissues without needing to take traditional, uncomfortable x-rays. Instead, digital x-rays use a digital sensor that records an image on a computer. This image is then instantly viewable by you and your dentist.

Digital x-rays are faster and easier than traditional dental x-rays. Your dentist will be able to instantly view your images and will be able to inform you of any dental issues. Digital x-rays are also safer, as there is no exposure to radiation.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment restores the health of your teeth and gums so you can avoid tooth loss. If the gum disease is severe enough, you may need a tooth extraction. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and root planing smooths the root surfaces. After your gum disease treatment is complete, you will need to maintain your healthy smile with daily brushing and flossing.

For the best dental care get in touch with Fallbrook Dental Care at 645 E. Elder Street Suite A, Fallbrook, CA 92028, or call (760) 728-8375 to book an appointment.