Experience High-Quality Preventive Dentistry With Dr. Painter
Maintaining good oral health is essential to our overall well-being, and preventive dentistry plays a crucial role in achieving this. Preventive dentistry refers to the practices and treatments that help prevent dental problems from developing or progressing.
At Auburn Family Dentistry in Auburn, IN, Dr. David Painter and our team of experts provide a comprehensive range of preventive dentistry services to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. By practicing preventive dentistry, our patients can avoid more complex and costly dental procedures in the future.
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry at Auburn Family Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is essential for several reasons:
- Maintains good oral health by stopping dental problems
- Detects any dental issues early on, when they are easier to treat
- Saves time and money by preventing the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures
- Contributes to overall health and well-being
Our Preventive Dentistry Services in Auburn, IN
Comprehensive Dental Exam
Our top Auburn dentist and his team offer comprehensive dental exams and cleanings as part of our preventive dentistry services. A dental exam is a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any signs of dental problems. Our knowledgeable dental team will use various tools and techniques to perform a comprehensive dental exam, which may include taking x-rays to get a more detailed view of your teeth and jaw.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning involves a dental hygienist removing plaque and tartar from your teeth using specialized tools. This process is essential to eliminate any built-up plaque or tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove. Our dental hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your teeth looking and feeling clean.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the high-quality preventive dentistry services offered at Auburn Family Dentistry. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens the protective outer layer of the tooth, called tooth enamel. When we eat and drink, bacteria in our mouths produce acid that can wear down the enamel and cause cavities. Fluoride works to combat this process by remineralizing and strengthening the enamel, making it more resistant to acid and less likely to decay.
Fluoride treatments involve a dental hygienist applying fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth. The fluoride absorbs into the enamel, strengthening the teeth and preventing cavities from developing. This process is particularly beneficial for children, as their teeth are still developing and are more susceptible to cavities.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant fills in the deep grooves and pits on the surface of these teeth, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less susceptible to decay.
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended to children and teenagers, as these are the ages when their permanent teeth first emerge and are most vulnerable to cavities. However, adults can also benefit from dental sealants, particularly if they have deep grooves or pits on the chewing surfaces of their teeth.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people around the world. While the risk of oral cancer increases with age, it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. At Auburn Family Dentistry in Auburn, IN, we provide oral cancer screenings during every routine checkup as part of our commitment to helping our patients maintain good oral health and overall wellness.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are preventive dental devices that can help protect your teeth and mouth from injury or damage. A mouthguard will cover the teeth and gums, helping cushion blows to the face and stop damage to the teeth, lips, and other soft tissues in the mouth.
At Auburn Family Dentistry in Auburn, IN, our dental team can help you determine if a mouthguard is right for you or your child. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards tailored to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and protection. We are committed to bringing comprehensive, personalized dental care that helps our patients maintain good oral health for a lifetime.
Brushing Instructions
BRUSHING: STEP 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
BRUSHING: STEP 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
BRUSHING: STEP 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
BRUSHING: STEP 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Flossing Instructions
FLOSSING: STEP 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
FLOSSING: STEP 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
FLOSSING: STEP 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
FLOSSING: STEP 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating each tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
In preventive dentistry, dentists use various technologies to detect, prevent, and treat dental problems. Advanced dental tools, such as intraoral cameras and digital X-rays, enable dentists to get a clear and detailed view of the teeth and gums.
- Intraoral cameras are small, handheld devices that take digital images of the mouth, allowing dentists to identify any dental issues like cavities and gum disease before they progress.
- Digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional X-rays and provide instant images for analysis, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Several lifestyle factors require preventive dentistry to maintain good oral health:
- Poor dietary habits can contribute to the development of dental problems.
- Smoking or using tobacco products can lead to a range of oral health issues.
- Poor oral hygiene habits, such as irregular brushing and flossing, can also increase the risk of dental problems.
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes or some medications can impact oral health.
- Participating in sports or other activities that pose a risk of dental injury may also necessitate preventive measures like mouthguards.
The cost of preventive dentistry depends on many patient factors, such as the specific treatment, location, and individual dental insurance coverage. Thankfully, routine preventive services such as dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments are relatively affordable and may even be fully covered by some dental insurance plans.
In most cases, dental insurance covers preventive dentistry services such as routine dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Some dental insurance plans may also cover additional preventive services such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
However, every dental insurance plan is different, and coverage can vary widely. Some plans may have specific limitations or exclusions on certain preventive services, while others may require a co-pay or deductible for preventive care. Check with your dental insurance provider to understand what preventive services are covered under your plan and any out-of-pocket costs.
Keep Your Oral Health On Track at Auburn Family Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health. At Auburn Family Dentistry, Dr. David Painter and his team of experts offer comprehensive preventive dentistry services that help patients avoid more complex and costly dental procedures in the future. We aim to provide high-quality preventive dentistry services tailored to the unique needs of every patient.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Painter by calling our office at (260) 357-2380 or filling out our online appointment form. We’re glad to treat patients in Auburn and the surrounding areas of Waterloo, Kendallville, and Garrett, IN.