Preventive Dentistry

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Preventive dental services such as professional teeth cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fluoride provided by your dentist and hygienist are good for your health AND save you money. These services help prevent dental disease or catch it early. Preventive dental services are usually cheaper than treatment for dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, infections, or tooth loss. Untreated dental problems often worsen over time and almost never fix themselves.

Here is a list of the more common preventive dental services offered by Grand Rapids Dentistry along with non-technical descriptions:

Dental Exam

Evaluation of the health of teeth and gums. Performed by a dentist.

Teeth Cleaning

Removal of plaque, buildup, and stains from teeth. Includes additional attention to areas below the gums for patients with periodontal disease. Usually performed by a dental hygienist.

Oral Hygiene Instructions

Recommendations for more effective oral health care at home. Usually provided by a dental hygienist.

Fluoride

Application of Fluoride to the surface of teeth (not ingested like Fluoride in water) to prevent tooth decay. Recommended especially for patients at high risk for decay. Usually performed by a dental hygienist.

Dental X-Rays

Images of internal structures of teeth and gums that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Reviewed by the dentist.

Dental Sealants

Covering on potentially troublesome grooves and pits of teeth to prevent tooth decay. Typically for baby teeth. Performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.