Preventive Care
Regular preventive care is one of the best ways to protect the health of your teeth, gums, and smile. At Las Positas Family Dental in Livermore, California, Thi Hoang, DDS, Theresa Hoang, DDS, and the team offer various preventive care services to people of all ages, including patient education, professional teeth cleaning, and digital X-rays. Call Las Positas Family Dentistry to schedule routine preventive care, or book your appointment online today.
I take good care of my teeth. Is preventive care really necessary?
Yes. Even if you brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly, visiting the dentist at least twice a year is crucial. Many potentially serious issues, including cavities, gum recession, and bone loss, develop slowly and present subtle symptoms. Regular checkups at Las Positas Family Dental can alert you to potential problems and provide peace of mind.
What does preventive care involve?
The Las Positas Family Dental team offers various preventive care services. They might suggest:
Oral exam
An oral exam assesses the health of your teeth and gums. Your dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, and abnormal growths. Then, they assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw to identify issues that might become problems in the future.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays use electronic sensors and advanced imaging technology to capture detailed photos of your tooth roots, jaws, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth). X-rays can identify underlying oral health problems, such as deep decay and bone loss.
Oral cancer screening
Your dentist might recommend oral cancer screening if you smoke, vape, or chew tobacco. If they identify any abnormal growths or abscesses during the exam, they take a biopsy and send it to a lab for pathology testing.
Teeth cleaning
Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar –– a build-up of food, saliva, and bacteria — from your teeth and underneath your gums. Your provider uses small, specialized tools to access the crevices at the back of your mouth and the tight spaces between your teeth.
Dental sealants
Some children and tweens have difficulty keeping their teeth clean. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to your child’s teeth. They stop harmful bacteria from eating away at the tooth enamel.
Patient education
Preventive dentistry goes beyond in-office treatment. The Las Positas Family Dental team emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene at home by educating patients about healthy eating, proper brushing and flossing, and potential oral health risks.
Can preventive care benefit my general health?
To fit your crown and/or bridge, your Las Positas Family Dental dentist removes decayed tissue and cleanses the area thoroughly. They digitally scan your mouth to create your custom-fitted crown or bridge, then bond it to your natural tooth or teeth.
If you have traditional dental implants for your crowns, the area needs time to heal, and the posts must fuse with your jawbone beforehand. Las Positas Family Dental also offers same-day crowns for suitable patients.
Call Las Positas Family Dental or book an appointment online today to benefit from natural-looking crowns and bridges that enhance your smile and improve your oral health.