The best way to safeguard your smile is by preventing the onset of common issues, ranging from cavities to gum disease. To help protect smiles of all ages, we offer a preventive approach to dentistry. In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist takes a close look at our family treatment options.
Dental Checkups
Checkups are a major part of our approach to family dentistry. These involve seeing our team for a checkup every six months. During these visits, we will employ digital technology to conduct a thorough and accurate diagnosis, identifying areas of concern in the early stages, often before you experience discomfort. For example, we can look for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease, and also watch for indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Our team could also screen for oral cancer, and for children, watch for common issues with the arrival of the baby and permanent teeth, and the growth of their smiles.
Cleanings and Perio Cleanings
Dental cleanings are just as important. You need a preventive cleaning every six months, and these occur during your checkup visit. The purpose is to use an ultrasonic scaling device and manual pick to remove all plaque and tartar from the smile. We then polish it thoroughly for a brighter appearance. Removing harmful layers of plaque and tartar helps fight bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even periodontal issues like gingivitis and gum disease. If you already suffer from gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease, our team could recommend a perio cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. This removes the buildup from both the teeth and the roots, reversing gingivitis or allowing us to manage the disease successfully with routine cleanings every three to four months.
Bruxism
Bruxism means that you grind or clench your teeth on a regular basis, which could place immense pressure on your smile. Teeth could be worn down, or even cracked or chipped, the damage increasing the risk of painful tooth decay and infection, and preserving the stability of your smile. With oral appliances, we can help improve the balance of your bite to prevent grinding and clenching episodes, and also place a barrier between the teeth to prevent further damage to them. You then enjoy a more comfortable smile and preserve your teeth. If you experience chronic headaches, jaw pain, and toothaches or sensitivity, be sure you see us to find out if you need treatment.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a serious issue in which the bite is imbalanced and the jaw joint strained, leading to major complications with the comfort and health of your smile. People with TMJ disorder may suffer from headaches, jaw pain, and an increased risk of bruxism, leading to pain and damaged teeth, as well as issues eating and speaking in some cases. Using TruDenta, our team will use advanced imaging technology to ensure your bite and assess your imbalance and strain. The analysis will allow our team to create a custom oral appliance that is comfortable and helps alleviate the strain and stress. Improving your bite balance relieves these symptoms and helps boost your oral health. Warning signs could include headaches, migraines, or even a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs in millions of people and prevents them from obtaining a good night’s rest, even though they often assume they did sleep well! This disorder causes people to stop breathing multiple times a night for a few seconds, occurring as soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and cut off airflow until the brain registers this and “wakes” you. While you may not remember this happening, this interrupts your sleep cycle, often hundreds of times a night, and leaves you exhausted and irritable, unable to function properly during the day. Without treatment, the disorder is also linked to a stained immune system and even complications for your cardiovascular health. Again, oral appliances can offer a comfortable and effective solution, one that is easy to use and means you avoid the need for a cumbersome CPAP machine.
If you have any questions about keeping your smile bright, healthy, and strong, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help protect your oral health in 2023 and in the years to come!
Talk To Your Virginia Beach, VA Dentist About Family Dentistry!
We would love to help you enjoy optimal oral health with preventive care. If you would like to find out more about safeguarding your smile, please reach out to Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at 757-428-7440.
