Have you ever heard of the phrase “preventive dentistry”? We believe in dental prevention, helping our patients enjoy healthy smiles, and doing what we can to avoid the onset of common oral health complaints, such as tooth decay or even gum disease. Preventive dentistry is crucial for keeping your smile healthy. What preventive treatment does our office offer?
Checkups and Cleanings
Every six months we encourage our patients to see us for two very important preventive treatments: checkups and cleanings. A checkup involves examining the smile, often using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras in the process, to obtain a detailed picture of your oral health. The doctor can then identify the presence of decay or gum problems, recommending treatment before these problems can progress and threaten the smile. We will also look for signs of jaw joint disorders, such as bruxism or TMJ disorder. For adults, we can also screen for the presence of oral cancer.
A cleaning involves the doctor or hygienist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth with a manual tool or an ultrasonic scaler. Afterward, we thoroughly polish the tooth. Removing plaque can help protect the teeth from cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. The process also leaves the teeth brighter and the breath fresher.
Brushing and Flossing
You will also need to perform preventive care from home. We always recommend patients brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes per session. Each night, everyone should also floss their teeth as well. While only a cleaning can completely remove plaque, brushing and floss can limit the amount of plaque buildup that occurs between cleaning visits.
About Your Chicago, IL Dentist:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding Cook County communities. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.