DeFries Family Dental » Preventative Care
PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
Preventative Services is the first step to keeping your teeth and gums healthy!
Did you know that your oral health can affect your overall health? Regular cleanings and maintenance is the best way to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. On this page you will find our comprehensive list of all preventative services we offer.
Prophylaxis (also known as cleaning): This is done to preserve tooth and gum health and prevent periodontal disease. This is when a hygienist will scale the teeth to remove buildup below the gumline. The teeth are usually then polished to clean and smooth the teeth. Once done, the hygienist will typically floss between all the touching teeth to make sure the teeth are clean and free of calcium buildup. This is typically recommended to be completed twice per year. Some patients who struggle with excessive buildup or periodontitis should be seen more frequently for regular cleanings.
Sealants: Sealants are a thin coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the molars to help prevent cavities. Sealants can last for many years, and help protect the teeth by blocking out germs and food on the biting surface of the tooth. It is typically recommended for children once their permanent molars come in.
Fluoride: Many children receive fluoride treatments in school, if their parents choose to do so. Fluoride can also be applied in the dental office. It works to help strengthen the child’s enamel. The fluoride is just painted on the child’s teeth, typically after their cleaning is completed.
Dental Imaging: X-rays are used to help diagnose dental decay and view the surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with an oral exam. These are recommended at least yearly to monitor for cavities.
Oral Scan: When a scan of your teeth is completed, a 3D image is generated of your teeth that you can see. This can be helpful when having dental work completed that needs to be sent to a lab, or as an educational tool to see wear over time.
Occlusal Guard: When a patient grinds their teeth excessively, an occlusal guard can be beneficial to help prevent more wear on the teeth. For this process, the patient would come in and have an impression or scan of their teeth completed in office. That impression or scan would then be sent to a lab for a thick plastic custom guard to be made. Once returned, the patient may be asked to come in and try the occlusal guard on to make sure it fits well.
Address: 1408 Crown Dr, Kirksville, MO 63501
Before Your Appointment Please Click the Button to Complete the Pre-Admission Registration Form.
Address: 1408 Crown Dr, Kirksville, MO 63501
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your appointment for dental preventative care, our priority is ensuring your smile receives the meticulous attention it deserves. The session typically commences with a comprehensive dental cleaning and examination, where our skilled professionals meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup, providing a fresh foundation for optimal oral health. This process not only helps prevent cavities but also allows us to identify early signs of potential issues, enabling proactive intervention.
As part of our commitment to preventative care, fluoride treatments may be offered to strengthen your teeth, reducing the risk of decay. Additionally, dental sealants may be applied to molars to provide an extra layer of protection against bacteria and cavities, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Throughout your appointment, our team takes the time to educate you on personalized oral hygiene practices, offering guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your unique dental needs. By the end of your visit, you’ll not only leave with a refreshed and clean smile but also armed with knowledge and tools to actively contribute to the ongoing health of your teeth.