We want to make sure each and every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest, has access to dental care. With family dentistry, we can tailor treatment to each individual’s smile, and offer results that protect teeth and gums from decay and disease. In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist talks about our approach to family dentistry.
Checkup Visits
We recommend a checkup visit for patients of all ages, from kids to adults, every six months. The exam is a chance for our team to take a close look at your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for possible signs of trouble, so we can address these quickly and prevent painful symptoms and tooth loss. Our team will use advanced imaging technology to make a diagnosis with precision. If you haven’t had one recently, we recommend a visit soon for an exam!
Cleanings and Perio Cleanings
In the same visit, we will conduct a dental cleaning to remove the harmful layers of plaque and tartar from your teeth. The process uses an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, so we can thoroughly and gently remove all plaque and tartar. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to limit how much plaque and tartar can adhere to the smile before your next cleaning visit. This can lower the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, and even tooth decay and gum disease!
If you have warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, we could recommend a perio cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing. using the same tools as a traditional cleaning, we remove buildup from both the teeth and the roots, even beneath the gums too. The process is more involved, so we will numb the smile and this could take between one and up to four visits to complete, depending on the severity of your buildup. We also polish the teeth, and may recommend a traditional cleanings every three to four months to keep the disorder in check.
TMJ Treatment
Our team can also use family dentistry to address issues with jaw joint strain, such as TMJ disorder. This oral health concern occurs when the joints connecting your jaw and skull undergo excessive strain, leading to painful symptoms and even issues opening and closing your mouth. TMJ disorder can be caused by tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, issues with the growth of the jaw and eruption of the teeth, and even untreated teeth grinding. You could experience clicking or popping in the jaw, headaches and migraines, jaw and facial pain, and other aches in the face and head, so let us know right away. Treatment involves a comfortable oral appliance, one custom-fitted to your smile to reposition the jaw and ease discomfort.
Addressing Bruxism
Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can occur due to untreated TMJ disorder and many of the same factors as TMD. High stress levels in your daily life and also be a contributing factor. The pressure from grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down tooth structure and even damage the teeth, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay and dental infection. Our team can repair the damage with lifelike restorations and use an oral appliance to ease strain in the jaw and place a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to stop further injury.
Solutions for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder in which you stop brushing multiple times a night, even if you don’t recall this happening. These episodes interrupt your REM sleep and you become exhausted during the day, and may develop strains on your immune and cardiovascular systems with time. But our team can offer relief with a custom oral appliance, which is designed to move the jaw and tongue forward to keep airways open and free of obstruction, so breathe without complication during the night. The device is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too.
If you have any questions about family dentistry, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help each member of your family enjoy good oral health and long-lasting results, so they can smile with confidence.
Talk to Our Team About Family Dentistry
Our team wants to help your family enjoy good oral health and smiles that are bright and strong, so talk to our team about family dentistry. To learn more about family dentistry, then give us a call at Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440 to schedule an appointment.
