Preventative dentistry services are designed to maintain your oral health in order to prevent future dental issues from occurring. Practicing preventative dentistry keeps your smile beautiful and healthy. At Apollo Dental Centre, we will assist you in your family in developing a preventative dental care program that will work for your smile. The foundation of any preventative dental care program are regular dental exams, dental x-rays, and teeth cleanings, however there are additional preventative services that may be recommended, including:
- Sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Space maintainers
Did You Know?
The majority of dentistry is made up of offering preventative services. Therefore, the more you visit your dentist for preventative services, the less likely it is that you will need restorative dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I expect during a routine dental exam and cleaning at Apollo Dental Centre?
During your routine dental exam, we will discuss your medical history, current medications, and allergies. Then, one of our dentists will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and jaw for any signs of disease. If this is your first appointment with us, then dental x-rays will also be performed to evaluate the underlying bone structure. Your dentist will discuss any of their findings and answer any questions you may have.
Once the exam is completed, you will have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygiene professional. The first step of a teeth cleaning is to remove the excess plaque and tartar using a dental scaler to gently scrape the surface of your teeth. Then the teeth will be brushing with a gritty toothpaste, flossed, and rinsed to remove any remaining debris. Finally, a fluoride polish will be applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and decrease future plaque buildup.
What other preventative treatments are available?
- Dental sealants: a thin coating of composite resin that is applied to the chewing surface of molars, usually in children. This seals the tooth and decreases the risk of decay-causing bacteria getting stuck in the highly textured surface of the molars.
- Space Maintainers: a removable or fixed appliance that is placed in a child’s mouth when one or more baby teeth have been prematurely lost. Like the name suggests, it maintains enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly.
How often do I need preventative treatments?
How often you need preventative treatment depends on your oral health and the type of preventative service. It is recommended to have a dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. This allows your dentist to closely monitor your oral health in order to catch potential problems early on. Depending on your oral health, dental x-rays may be required 1-2 times per year. Dental sealants tend to last about 2-4 years before needing to be applied again. Depending on the type of service you need, your dentist will make a recommendation on how often you need treatment.
Apollo Dental Centre Calgary has two office locations at Beacon Hill & Westwinds that are open 7 days a week with weekend and evening hours to meet all your general dental, cosmetic dental, orthodontic, and emergency dental needs. Call to schedule a consultation today!