Preventive Dentistry
Keeping your mouth healthy for life
Our goal is to make your beautiful, healthy smile last a lifetime.
At The Grove City Center for Dentistry, Dr. Simone, Dr. Lowe and our entire dental team believe that preventive care is the heart and soul of your oral health. That’s why we focus on your oral hygiene through regular dental exams and cleanings, and preventive treatments and procedures to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
Your amazing, healthy smile starts with great oral hygiene habits every day.
Preventive dental care at The Grove City Center for Dentistry include the following treatments:
Dental Exams + Cleanings
Regular, six-month check-ups are the foundation of your healthy mouth. At your cleaning, our highly trained hygiene team will examine your mouth to look for issues that could become oral health problems. We take x-rays, look at your teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, and throat, then clean and polish your teeth to make your smile beautiful.
Cavity Detection
We use a DIAGNOdent early cavity detection device to identify any cavities before they show up on an x-ray. Simply put, this device uses a bright light to scan and highlight the areas of your tooth that are vulnerable so we can treat it while a cavity is in the earliest stage or even before it officially develops.
Dental Sealants
Did you know that dental sealants can last up to 10 years? While we frequently apply dental sealants to our pediatric dental patients, we also recommend sealants for adults. Made of a special resin and applied as a liquid, dental sealants become a hardened protective coating over your teeth. They are so important to protect your teeth from bacteria and food particles that cause decay.
Fluoride Treatments
We apply fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities in your mouth. Minor tooth decay can develop into cavities for most people. We recommend fluoride treatments for children and adults depending on the health of your teeth and gums and other important factors. This treatment is applied at your regular dental exam and cleaning as needed.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your first visit and for every six-month dental exam, we conduct a thorough oral cancer screening. Oral cancer can easily go undetected and undiagnosed if you are not receiving regular dental check-ups. Our team looks for discoloration of your gums and mouth, lesions, and other signs of oral cancer. And, we review your health history to identify actions that could put you at risk.
Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease
Periodontal therapy is also called scaling and root planing. This is the process of removing plaque and calculus both above and below your gum line. We also may prescribe an oral rinse and antibiotics to help heal your gums and bones. We recommend periodontal therapy when a patient has severe gum disease or periodontitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining long-term oral health by preventing cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other dental issues before they become serious. This includes regular dental exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, oral cancer screenings, and early cavity detection.
How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. However, patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, or other oral health concerns may benefit from more frequent preventive visits based on their individual needs.
What happens during a preventive dental exam?
A preventive dental exam typically includes a full evaluation of your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and bite. Your dentist may take digital X-rays, screen for oral cancer, check for early signs of decay or gum disease, and create a personalized preventive care plan to protect your oral health.
How does preventive dentistry help avoid major dental problems?
Preventive dentistry allows dentists to identify issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion at an early stage when treatment is simpler and less invasive. Regular preventive care helps reduce the risk of tooth loss, infections, and complex restorative procedures in the future.
Is preventive dentistry important for children and adults?
Yes, 100%! Preventive dentistry is essential at every stage of life. Children benefit from cavity prevention and sealants, while adults rely on preventive care to maintain gum health, detect oral cancer early, and preserve natural teeth as they age.
