Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Everyone should receive two dental cleanings and checkups per year.
Dental checkups and cleanings are essential for laying the foundation of good oral health and establishing the value of receiving routine treatment in an effort to detect potential problems in their early stages.
Don’t wait, find your nearest Dental Depot location in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas and schedule your dental checkup today!
Dental Checkups
During our dental checkups, our dentists will look for signs of tooth decay, enamel wear and gum disease. We will also use diagnostic tools to evaluate the health of tissues beneath the surface – specifically the roots of teeth and the jaw. Diagnostic imaging can assist in revealing congenital and developmental abnormalities that might require the attention of a specialist such as an oral surgeon or orthodontist. All of us have the potential of developing common oral health conditions including dental caries and inflamed or irritated gums (periodontal disease). Many times, these conditions develop due to diet and poor oral hygiene practices. Regular dental checkups can help your dentist identify these problems before they advance and sometimes prevent them from happening at all.
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are important for keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy – especially since some patients have difficulty reaching their back teeth when brushing and flossing. Cleanings are a gentle and non-invasive method for preserving and maintaining gum health and cleaning around the teeth so that tartar and plaque accumulation are controlled. Even if you clean your teeth thoroughly, you will still develop tartar that needs to be removed. A form of calcified plaque, tartar cannot be removed by flossing or brushing and must be removed with professional-grade dental instruments through a dental cleaning.
Preventing oral disease is one of the most important aspects of dentistry. While prevention certainly begins with practicing proper oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet and visiting our office regularly, there are some treatments we can administer that help strengthen teeth to prevent dental injuries and tooth decay. Two of the most common preventive dental treatments include the administration of fluoride and the application of dental sealants.
Fluoride Treatment
Tooth enamel is made of minerals, and when exposed to strong acid, its mineral content (and strength) can be stripped away. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen teeth by attracting minerals to the surface of tooth enamel, which will ultimately help replenish lost mineral content. Strong, healthy tooth enamel is key in protecting teeth against cavity causing bacteria. Fluoride treatments are quick and easy and involve simply applying a fluoridated varnish or gel to the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are another preventive method for protecting teeth from bacteria and decay. Using a disease-resistant, plastic compound, sealants are applied over the pits and grooves of the teeth and quickly hardened with a curing light. This ensures that the biting surfaces of the teeth are more protected against damage and harmful bacteria.
Receiving fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants are non-invasive and cost-effective. If tooth decay does form, our dentists can treat dental caries with restorations like fillings or crowns. During all types of treatment, we utilize anesthetics when necessary to promote comfort and relaxation.
Find your nearest location in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas and schedule the whole family for check ups and cleanings today!
Insights
How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?
A root canal, also referred to as endodontic treatment, is a procedure during which a dental specialist removes soft tissue from within a tooth that has become infected or inflamed. This tissue, called dental pulp, contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that feed the tooth’s root and keep it healthy. When the dental pulp
Braces vs. Aligners: 5 Things to Consider
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontics estimates 50-75% of Americans would benefit from orthodontics treatment? It’s true! There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment. Straight, healthy teeth make it easier to chew, brush, and speak, and having a smile that you’re proud of and comfortable with will improve your confidence and self-esteem.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for unconsciously grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. This can happen while you’re awake, asleep, or both. Bruxism is commonly referred to as teeth grinding or jaw clenching. The majority of people who suffer from bruxism experience it while they sleep, making it difficult to identify before complications develop. What
