Preventive Care

Dental X-Rays

Being able to assess the status of your oral health often requires more than a simple look with our own eyes. Many harmful issues begin under the surface of the gums, around the roots of the teeth and/or within the bone.

This is why we will frequently request a new set of dental x-rays. X-rays are a safe, effective, necessary and easy way to monitor for and catch harmful conditions developing in and around the teeth. Routine, standard care x-rays enable us to catch and treat conditions early on so that nothing is approaching on the horizon we are not prepared to treat. The more information we have to ensure oral health, the better we can prevent any issues from becoming more serious.

Scaling and Root Planing

Have you ever been told you need a “deep cleaning”? Root planing, or “deep cleaning”, is a dental procedure that involves removing tartar/calculus and plaque from the tooth’s root surface. When left untreated, calculus and plaque stuck to the root surface leads to chronic inflammation of the gums due to an overabundance of bacteria present; this bacteria causes a gum infection. If not treated, this results in bone loss – otherwise known as “gum disease” or “periodontal disease.”

Root planing is done by using a tool called a scaler, carefully removing any buildup. After scaling is complete, you will be placed on a more frequent hygiene follow-up program called periodontal maintenance. Instead of returning for cleanings only every 6 months, we will see you every 3-4 months to more closely monitor and aid in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Periodontal Maintenance

After a diagnosis of periodontitis, scaling and root planing is completed in order to remove the calculus and plaque from the teeth root surfaces that led to this disease. After scaling and root planing, you will be placed on a more frequent hygiene follow-up program called periodontal maintenance. Instead of returning for cleanings only every 6 months, we will see you every 3-4 months to more closely monitor and aid in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

These cleaning visits are similar to the regular cleanings, but with a deeper focus. Meticulous deep cleaning of the teeth and frequent examining of the tightness of your gums enables us to ensure everything is healthy and that we are able to catch any sign of reactivation of the disease early on.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a safe and effective means of preventing tooth decay. Dental sealants are specially created coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which act as a blockade against cavity-causing bacteria. The coating fills in any grooves or pits on your teeth and seals off any common area where decay can begin.

Dental sealants can help strengthen an existing filling by sealing off an area where bacteria could grow. They also prevent cavities from developing at points along your gum line where gums tend to recede over time or become inflamed due to disease or injury. Dental sealants benefit people prone to plaque buildup around their gums because they don’t brush well enough in those areas (a common problem among children).

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It has been used for decades by dentists and hygienists to help prevent tooth decay in children and adults alike.

Fluoride treatments can be applied in various ways, including at home, through rinses or gels, or by a dentist or dental hygienist during an office visit. Fluoride treatments are safe and effective for use on teeth of all ages—from a baby’s first tooth to grandma’s last tooth—and are tailored to your unique needs based on factors like lifestyle habits (such as diet), dental health history, and medical health history.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a serious disease, but also treatable, especially if caught early. You can reduce your risk by making sure you visit your dentist for regular oral cancer screenings. It never hurts to ensure there is nothing on the horizon that could pose a challenge.

There are numerous types of pathologic conditions that can occur in the mouth. Some happen in areas that you are not able to see easily on your own. Problems can occur on your gums, tongue, inside of your cheeks, on the roof of your mouth, in your throat, and even in your jaw bones. While most pathologies encountered are benign and manageable, oral cancer is a serious condition to monitor for.

Oral cancer screening exams are quick and painless, so scheduling one should be easy! At Precision Dental Arts, this is why Dr. Moorhead performs a routine oral cancer screening every six months as part of your comprehensive dental examination.

Dental Night Guards

Do you wake up in the mornings with jaw or tooth pain? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night – this is called bruxism. Dental night guards are custom-made mouthpieces that fit over your teeth and help prevent the effects of grinding or clenching. Night guards can be made from a soft plastic material, which is often more comfortable than acrylic. They are removable, meaning you don’t have to wear them all the time if you don’t need to.

If you think your dental health is suffering due to teeth grinding or clenching while sleeping, consider getting a custom-fitted oral appliance. We will work with you to create a solution that fits properly and relieves the pain caused by teeth grinding at night so that you can wake up pain free.

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are dental devices that protect the teeth and lips from injury during sports, nighttime grinding, and other types of physical activities. They are custom-made to fit specifically for your unique dental situation.

Mouthguards should always be worn when playing contact sports such as football, hockey, or rugby, but they may also help reduce the damage caused by nighttime grinding if you’re prone to this condition.