Preventive Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry for Lakeville Families
Regular trips to the dentist for general dentistry treatments like checkups and cleanings are essential if you want to experience a smile that looks great and functions properly. To truly bring out the most in your oral health, however, we offer a list of general dentistry services that go above and beyond the standard dental checkups and cleanings. Comprehensive general dentistry care now can save you time and expense later, preventing serious problems like tooth loss and extensive decay, At Southeastern Dental Care in Lakeville, MA, we take preventive care very seriously. Contact our practice today to schedule your first appointment!
Checkups & Cleanings
A dental checkup is your first line of defense against extensive damage because it is during these appointments that we can look for the warning signs of decay and disease. Using digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, we can inspect your teeth and gums closely, which helps us detect problems far earlier than would be possible without regular visits to our Lakeville dental office. By coming to see our talented doctors every six months, you can save your smile for years to come.
Dental Sealants
Do you have a child at home who is still learning to brush their teeth? Are you an adult who is prone to developing tooth decay and cavities? With dental sealants, we can give people’s smiles a little bit of extra protection right where they need it. For this treatment, we’ll apply a clear, thin layer of a plastic-based substance directly to the teeth, which will prevent plaque and food particles from gathering on them. This effectively shields them from developing decay. They only take minutes to apply, and with consistent oral hygiene, they can easily last for years at a time.
Mouthguards
Beyond routine checkups, we also offer custom athletic mouthguards to protect your smile and your children’s smiles from the common dental injuries that can occur while playing sports or taking part in physical activities like rollerblading. Because every mouthguard we make is designed specifically for each patient, they fit more comfortably and do a much better job of defending the teeth and gums from an impact. With them, you’ll be able to keep your eye on the game/match and never have to worry about your smile.
TMJ/Bruxism Therapy
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, refers to the small set of hinges in front of your ears that allows your jaw to move freely whenever you speak, eat, laugh, or yawn. These joints can sometimes become strained or injured, which can lead to a litany of problems, including chronic jaw pain and persistent migraine headaches. We can diagnose and treat these issues right here in our office using everything from simple stretches to a small, custom-made mouthguard you would only wear at night.
Also, if you habitually grind your teeth in your sleep (also known as “bruxism”), we can create a custom nightguard to comfortably shield your teeth from damage.
Oral Cancer Screening
Nearly 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and many will not survive the next five years simply because the disease was caught too late to be successfully treated. To make sure this condition never catches you or a loved one off guard, we can perform an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkup. Your dentist will examine your lips, gums, cheeks, throat, and neck for any signs of the disease, and if they find anything suspicious, they can advise you on how to take the appropriate action.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is an infection that occurs on and around the gum line when too much plaque and bacteria is allowed to accumulate. Early symptoms include red, swollen, and puffy gums, as well as gum tissue that bleeds easily whenever the teeth are cleaned. While these instances may seem minor, gum disease can eventually develop into something much more serious – after all, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss across the globe. We’ll keep an eye on your gums during your regular checkups, and if we see any signs of the infection, we’ll be able to quickly diagnose and treat it.
Treatment may consist of a “deep cleaning,” which refers to a pair of procedures called scaling and root planing. This will involve thoroughly breaking up and clearing away plaque and tartar buildup from your gums, followed by an application of topical antibiotic to help make sure we’ve eliminated all harmful bacteria.
As you can see, we can do so much more than just clean your teeth. With these preventive services, we can give you and your entire family a lifetime of healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We are based in Lakeville, but we’re also happy to serve patients from Middleborough, Taunton, and Raynham.