Preventative Dental Care

What is
a preventative exam?

Your comprehensive general exam will include a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Dr. Nguyen will screen for oral cancer, make sure that your tooth and gum structures are healthy, and will address any new or recurring concerns. This exam ensures your long-term oral health through the early detection of any oral health concerns. Prevention and early detection is key!

The treatment process

What happens during your exam:

During your exam, multiple things will happen to ensure the main goals of the exam are met and that you receive the best preventative care possible.

  • Professional cleaning: Your hygienist at The Tooth Inc. will professionally clean your teeth, removing the hard to reach plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. These cleanings are essential in removing all of the tartar buildup and preventing tooth decay and cavities.
  • Gingival exam: This portion of your exam will be dedicated to checking the health of your gums and to screen for signs of gingivitis, gum disease. If signs of gingivitis exist, Dr. Nguyen will determine the severity and develop a personalized treatment plan to stop the progression of the disease in its tracks and reverse its impact.
  • Oral cancer screening: This part of your exam is really important. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if it’s not caught early, so screening for oral cancer every time you visit your Austin dentist at The Tooth Inc. is imperative to staying on top of not just your oral health but your overall health.
  • X-rays: X-rays are an important part of understanding the whole picture in terms of your oral health. With x-rays, Dr. Nguyen can see tooth decay, cracks or chips that are too small to see with the naked eye, and even infection. With today’s technology, x-rays aren’t always required as frequently as they had been in the past. Depending on your current oral health and whether or not you have any concerns, Dr. Nguyen will determine the frequency with which you need x-rays.
  • Care instructions: Whether it’s brushing and flossing habits, the way in which you’re brushing, dietary concerns, or lifestyle choices, Dr. Nguyen and her team will work with you to make sure that you have all the information you need to get the most out of your daily oral health routine.

You can typically expect your comprehensive exam to last between one hour to an hour and a half.

Dr. Nguyen will let you know how many times you need an exam to maintain good oral health. While most people need one comprehensive exam and two professional cleanings per year, some people may require more visits based on specific oral health concerns or conditions. Your health insurance may also affect how often you see the dentist. The type of plan you have may require visits every 6 months. If you’re not sure how often you need to be visiting Dr. Nguyen, just ask!

Preventative exams make up the core of preventative dental care, but we also offer preventative services such as sealants and fluoride treatments.

Sealants

Sealants are a really great way to protect your teeth from decay by covering the top of your tooth. These work particularly well if your teeth are deeply grooved and prone to holding onto food particles and bacteria. The protective barrier created by the sealant keeps bacteria away from your teeth and prevents decay.

Fluoride

Fluoride excels at protecting your teeth by reversing the demineralization caused by acids from plaque and tartar that lead to decay. This demineralization helps repair your enamel and protect you against cavities and tooth decay.

If you’re looking for unparalleled preventative dental care in Austin, TX, you’ve come to the right place. The Tooth Inc. is proud to offer the care you need to prevent serious oral health concerns in the future.

To schedule your preventative dental exam in Austin, TX, call our office today at (512) 593-1874 or request your appointment online!

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