Preventive Dentistry
We all want to have a white and bright smile that is healthy, strong, and beautiful. Between dental injuries, disease, and genetic conditions, it can be difficult to keep teeth and gums in the best shape possible. Brushing and flossing are great ways to maintain a healthy mouth at home between appointments, but regular visits to the dentist can protect your teeth even more. Our practice can offer easy, quick, and effective preventive measures to help our patients stay ahead of their dental care. We believe that maintaining healthy teeth and gums can be a breeze with the right preventive dentistry team in your corner.
Preventive Dentistry in Lakeland
Preventive dentistry includes many treatments and procedures that help encourage optimal dental health. Some common treatments that are the capstones of preventive dentistry are:
- Regular Dental Hygiene/Exams
- Sealants
- Fluoride
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Tooth Extractions
- Oral Cancer Screening
Many dental insurance companies understand that preventive dentistry is essential, and most plans typically cover these treatments as they are cost-effective and help to enhance good oral health.
Regular Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are crucial and are often the first line of defense to prevent disease. We will examine your teeth, gums, facial muscles, and soft tissues during a dental exam, looking for any signs of uneven wear or decay.
Sometimes, we might take X-Rays to get an inside look at your bone structure and integrity or image areas that are hard to see or reach. X-Rays are pivotal for oral cancer screening and for detecting concerning issues early. Most often, early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
We Can Help Protect Your Teeth
Luckily, some easy-to-apply treatments can help protect your teeth, even when you aren’t sitting in our office. Sealants, for example, are the perfect way to give your teeth an extra layer of protection.
During a sealant application, we apply a thin layer of resin to the tooth’s surface, where it receives the most wear and tear. In most cases, sealants are applied to the top, flat part of the tooth. The sealant works to fill in the tiny holes, chips, and cracks around the tooth’s surface that could otherwise collect debris and bacteria, leading to cavities or infection. The process of applying a sealant is quick and easy and is a great preventive measure.
Another popular option for simple preventive dental care is fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help make your teeth stronger. While some cities even put trace fluoride amounts into drinking water, sometimes your teeth require higher doses of fluoride to stay healthy and strong. At our office, we can apply a high-dose, targeted fluoride treatment in a matter of minutes to help give your teeth additional strength and integrity.
Preventive Dentistry FAQs
Keeping your smile healthy should be simple. Preventive care services at Crosby Dentistry are designed to help you maintain strong teeth and gums to avoid dental problems before they start. Below are answers to some common questions about preventive dentistry.
What is preventive dentistry?
How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?
Most patients benefit from seeing the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. However, some individuals—especially those with gum disease or a history of cavities—may need more frequent visits. We’ll recommend a schedule that fits your specific needs.
What are dental sealants, and who needs them?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to help prevent cavities. They’re especially beneficial for children and teenagers, but adults prone to cavities can also benefit from dental sealant treatment.
Is fluoride treatment necessary?
Topical Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities, making it a valuable part of preventive care. While fluoride is found in some water sources and toothpaste, professional fluoride treatments provide extra protection—especially for children, those with dry mouth, or anyone at higher risk for decay.
What can I do at home to protect my teeth?
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet low in sugary foods can help prevent dental issues. Using a mouthguard for sports or a nightguard if you grind your teeth can also help protect your smile.
Does insurance cover preventive dental care?
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services like exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments at little or no cost. Our team is happy to review your benefits and help you maximize your coverage.
Schedule Your Preventive Care Appointment
Preventive dental care is the foundation of a healthy smile. If you need to schedule your next dental visit, call Crosby Dentistry at 863.624.3817 today.