Preventive Dentistry in Vancouver WA

Preventive Dentistry Near You

The goal of preventative dentistry is to keep your teeth healthy and stop problems from happening in the future. Preventive dentistry in Vancouver, WA is a way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. At Thurston Oaks Dental, we can help you and your family come up with a plan to maintain good dental hygiene that will protect your smile. Regular dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings are the building blocks of any preventive dental care plan. 

If you have had gum disease or severe tooth decay in the past, your preventative plan will involve much more thorough cleanings, necessitating more than once-a-year checkups. Teeth cleaning may not be enough, and other procedures may have to be suggested.

Thurston Oaks Dental in Vancouver, WA offers our patients excellent preventative dental care near you. Check out some of the most common procedures down below.

Dental Exam

Dr. Farmer recommends a dental exam every six months to ensure optimal oral health. This exam is typically done as part of your regular cleaning appointment. During your dental exam, we take digital X-rays to help diagnose and prevent items that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Dental Cleaning

It is essential to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams with us. We recommend our patients come to see us every six months. Professional dental cleanings act as a preventive measure against tooth decay, cavities, tooth damage, gum disease, and the development of other oral health issues. Dr. Farmer and our hygienists will use specialized dental tools to eliminate tartar buildup and polish your teeth, surpassing the effectiveness of routine home care.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are a method that uses up to 75% less radiation than traditional film-based X-rays. Dental X-rays are a diagnostic aid used to determine periodontal disease, cavities, or oral pathologies and are now part of your standard dental exam and office visit. Some patients may only need X-rays every few years, whereas some with a history of cavities may require closer monitoring, needing X-rays several times a year.

Deep Cleaning

Our hygienist and dentist often recommend deep cleanings based on the presence and severity of periodontal disease. A deep cleaning may involve either full mouth debridement if it has been several years since the last cleaning or scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease present. A proper diagnosis is made with a full mouth periodontal examination and x-rays.

Deep cleaning procedures involve the use of local anesthetic and are usually completed over several appointments. During these appointments, our hygienist will clean the gums and above them. We will reevaluate three weeks after the deep cleaning procedure is completed and assess how well you have responded to treatment. At this time, either a periodontal maintenance program will be selected, or additional work may be needed.

Gum Disease Treatment

Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are essential. The treatment methods that we recommend will depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious.

The secret to a healthy, self-assured, and attractive smile is prevention, which helps avert major and expensive dental issues. Are you ready to schedule an appointment? Get in touch with us now!