All About Preventive Dentistry in Plano, TX

Many recognize dentistry as only useful when they have a dental problem. This means that the fate of your oral health is dependent on when you have a dental problem that needs to be treated. While many have gotten away with this strategy, it is never the best course of action. There is a reason why dental experts emphasize on regular dental check-ups. Like the rest of your health keeping tabs in your dental health regularly goes a long way. Perhaps the reason you do not consider the dental visits necessary is that you have no clear picture of why it is important. All this lies in preventive dentistry. If you are just learning about this term. Read on for more information on preventive dentistry in Plano, TX, and why it is necessary for everyone.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

It is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with procedures and practices that can help prevent the occurrence and progression of dental problems. Ideally, preventive dentistry in Plano works proactively, trying to ensure that patients don’t have to deal with dental problems. In an ideal world, if preventive dental care was successful globally, dentists would have an easier time handling patients. There would be fewer cases of dental infections and problems. however, it is not as easy as it sounds.

The world’s population still proves resistant to adopting preventive dental care measures. More often than not, preventive dentist in Plano, TX find themselves on the duty of educating the patients they interact with, with the hope of getting the point home.

What Happens in Preventive Dentistry?

Like all other areas of dentistry, different dental works are performed in preventive dentistry. You may not have to worry about any of them. All you need is to schedule a dental appointment with a preventive dentist near you. From here, any of the following dental processes will be performed:

1. Dental exams – this is the primary step in preventive dental care. it involves the dentist checking your oral cavity thoroughly, to determine the best course of action. Many processes are involved in a dental exam. Some have to do with physical and visual exams. Other than that, you will need digital examinations, which involve x-rays, ultrasounds, CAT scans, to mention a few. All these will help your dentist examine your oral cavity beyond the surface. They help examine your jawbone, facial bone structure, among other dental-related features.
2. Fluoride treatment – this is a treatment that involves the use of fluoride, which is a natural element found in foods. The use of fluoride in dentistry is to strengthen the enamel of teeth, making it difficult for infection and bacteria to penetrate it. Ultimately, it helps prevent dental cavities.
3. Dental sealants – they are plastic-like materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. they are used on the back teeth, to cover the pit and depressions thereof. Their role is to protect teeth from cavities. While they are common in pediatric dentistry, they can as well be used on adult teeth.
4. Dental fillings – these work similarly to dental sealants. However, fillings are used after a cavity has been spotted on teeth. technically, fillings are used to remedy dental cavities and prevent the progression of those cavities into severe dental decay. With fillings in place, your cavities will remain as they are, without room for dental decay to start manifesting.
5. Oral hygiene – a big part of oral hygiene has to do with what you do while at home. However, that may not be enough to sustain excellent oral health. Part of the journey to excellent oral hygiene may require the intervention of a dentist. For one, a professional dental cleaning session will boost your oral hygiene. Other than that, dental hygiene education can help you be better at keeping your mouth clean. The dental hygienist will equip you will proper teeth brushing tips, flossing techniques as well as recommendations on the best teeth cleaning products you can use.
6. Nutritional counseling – surprisingly, your dentist cares about your health more than you would think. What you eat affects your mouth, and ultimately your entire body. Controlling your diet, therefore, can have positive effects on the outcome of your oral health.