Preventive Dentistry in Fountain Valley - How it Works

Preventive Dentistry Services We Offer in Fountain Valley

We offer a comprehensive range of preventative dental treatment options to anyone in the Fountain Valley area. Our services include:

Routine Exams & Cleanings

A regular examination of all aspects of your oral health proactively detects any potential issues at the earliest opportunity and includes:

• Checking each tooth for signs of damage such as chips or cracks
• Examining the gums for inflammation, infection, and gum disease
• A comprehensive check for any cavities that may be forming

The routine examination will highlight any early-stage issues that need to be addressed alongside comprehensive cleaning. The cleaning stage removes plaque and tartar that, if left untreated, can quickly result in cavities and cause gum disease.

Fluoride Treatments

A professional fluoride treatment is designed to strengthen the delicate enamel that forms the outer layer of each tooth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be applied as a varnish, gel, or foam to the surface of the teeth.

Stronger enamel will prevent corrosive substances like soft drinks and citric acid from removing tooth enamel and exposing the delicate internal pulp. We recommend everyone receives a fluoride treatment at least once every 12 months, while others may benefit from more regular treatments every 3–6 months. Our team can recommend the optimal treatment frequency based on your individual needs.

Sealants

Sealants form a protective barrier against bacteria that is well-suited to preventing cavities from forming in the back teeth. The large grooves in molars and wisdom teeth, combined with reduced accessibility when brushing, can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria if not addressed.

A properly applied sealant will ensure that bacteria is not trapped between the sealant and the outer surface of the teeth. With a proactive approach to improving other aspects of oral health, a sealant treatment can last 2–3 years.

Digital X-Rays

X-ray imaging detects issues beneath the gums such as the loss of jaw bone material due to infection and complicated root structures. A proactive approach to taking high-quality images ensures that the dental team can explore root causes and address issues before the need for emergency invasive treatments arises.

We recommend that adults have at least one X-ray every 1–2 years, while children may need them more frequently as their jaw bone is still growing. We can make individualized recommendations based on your personal treatment plan.

Oral Cancer Screenings

A preventive dentist will pay close attention to any atypical soft tissue formations. Key areas of focus include the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. The dental professional will look for any signs of:

• Persistent lumps and sores that take more than two weeks to heal
• The formation of white or red patches on soft tissues in the mouth
• Chronic pain or swelling that is causing difficulty chewing
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck causing the formation of lumps

Depending on the results of the initial examination, a biopsy may be ordered and a small tissue sample may need to be taken for further diagnosis.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to oral health and hygiene that is designed to prevent common issues such as gum disease and cavities from occurring in the first place.

By addressing root causes rather than waiting for issues to occur and then reacting, a preventative approach to dentistry can greatly reduce the likelihood of having to take corrective action, such as dental fillings.

A combination of optimized at-home oral hygiene routines and regular professional check-ups can significantly reduce the need for invasive treatments.

Why It Matters

Our preventive dentistry services allow you to detect problems at the earliest opportunity. Doing so has been shown to greatly reduce the need for invasive restorative dentistry services.

Key points to note include:

• You can actively prevent cavities and gum disease with a more proactive approach to routine dental services
• You can save money on costly dental treatments by never waiting for issues to cause you pain and discomfort
• You can keep your natural teeth for longer without having to resort to crowns, fillings, or dentures
• You can enjoy fresher breath and a brighter smile by optimizing every aspect of your oral hygiene
• You can find affordable preventive dentistry in Fountain Valley quickly and easily by connecting with our experts

Our experience has shown that expert monitoring on a regular basis provides patients from right across Fountain Valley with complete peace of mind.