Preventive Dental Treatments in San Antonio
Exams & Cleanings
Your oral health is the cornerstone of your overall health and well-being. Routine dental cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Prioritizing regular cleanings, exam and x-rays form the foundation of preventative dental care.
Oral Cancer Screenings
It is important to routinely screen for any abnormal findings in the mouth, throat, lips and gums. Early detection is very important. When found and treated early, oral cancer survival rates are around 80-90%. We use VELscope device to aid in the screening process. VELscope technology uses natural tissue fluorescence to improve the way practitioners examine the oral mucosa and screen for tissue abnormalities by enhancing the visualization of pre-cancers, cancer, and other disease processes.
Dental Sealants
Sealants work by creating a protective shield on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shield blocks out germs and food particles that can cause cavities. Applying sealants is a quick process. The tooth is rinsed and dried first then sealant material is applied , and then a light is used to harden the material. After the sealants are applied, one can eat and drink as usual without any restrictions.
Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride helps both children and adults prevent cavities. Preventing cavities means fewer and smaller cavities, and less pain. Fluoride helps you lower your chances of needing fillings or having teeth removed. Fluoride replaces the minerals lost from a tooth due to acid breakdown. Some fluoride can replace minerals in the tooth surface, making the outer enamel layer harder to dissolve. Fluoride also may reduce the amount of acid that cavity-causing bacteria produce, as well as making it harder for these bacteria to stick to the teeth.
Custom Nightguards
Nocturnal teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a problem for many patients. Whether caused by stress or other factors, bruxism can wear down or even crack your teeth. Night guards are extremely useful appliances that can protect against the effects of teeth grinding as well as help with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – or jaw – issues. Night guards are custom-fabricated appliances that are made for your individual mouth.
Schedule an appointment to get your routine checkup!