THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE

WHY PREVENTIVE CARE?

Your teeth should last a lifetime! Regular preventive care can help you 
enjoy a lifetime of good dental health - one that is free of 
toothache pain or other dental discomforts.

Your dental health affects your general health. A healthy mouth, with 
well cared for teeth, enables you to chew properly, speak clearly, 
and to smile confidently. By caring for your natural teeth you are 
contributing to your general well-being and enjoyment of life. 
Remember, dental care is not expensive, but dental neglect is!

Your dentist recommends that you return regularly for preventive 
care. This periodic "recall" visit is important for many reasons.

TOOTH DECAY

Once a tooth begins to decay, professional treatment is required to 
stop the destruction and to restore it to normal function. Early 
detection is possible with a thorough examination and the use of 
x-rays as necessary. Prompt treatment enables your dentist 
to prevent further destruction of the tooth.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

A regular examination enables your dentist to find and treat 
periodontal problems (diseases of the gum and bone that surround the 
teeth) before the condition becomes serious enough to cause 
irreversible damage.

PERSONAL ORAL HYGIENE

Your home care program is a key to preventing dental disease! Your 
dentist, will help you evaluate how successful you have been in your home care.
He will help you learn better ways to overcome any problem areas.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS

Regular dental care is particularly important for children. The dentist will
evaluate the conditions in the child's mouth as the primary teeth are lost
and permanent teeth move into position. Often minor orthodontic treatment at
the right age can prevent the development of a severe malocclusion which
will require major, and very expensive, treatment later on.

DENTURES

Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it is still important that you
see your dentist regularly.  It is normal for the tissues in your mouth to
change and it is important that dentures fit properly. 
An ill-fitting denture is a major irritant to the system. Also, it does not
permit proper chewing or speaking.

Your dentist will want to see you regularly to evaluate the fit and condition
of your denture, and to examine the tissues of your mouth to be certain that
there are no abnormalities developing.

ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer is usually painless and often the patient is unaware that it has
developed. Yet most oral cancers, if detected early, can be cured.  Your
dentist is trained to evaluate the tissues of your mouth, tongue and neck to
detect cancer in its earliest stages.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

What is included in your "recall visit" will depend upon your needs. 
Usually this visit includes a complete examination, prophylaxis and 
x-rays if they are needed.

WHY IS A PROFESSIONAL "CLEANING" NECESSARY?

If plaque is not removed regularly it becomes hardened and forms 
calculus. This irritant is a major cause of periodontal disease and 
encourages tooth decay.

Once the plaque hardens into calculus it is impossible for the patient to 
remove it. Your dentist, or hygienist, will clean your teeth thoroughly,
removing the calculus with an ultrasonic scaler.

WHY X-RAYS?

X-rays are a diagnostic tool used to detect tooth decay and 
abnormalities or development problems that are not visible in the 
mouth. 

HOW OFTEN IS THIS CARE REQUIRED?

A thorough dental examination every six months is recommended for 
most people. However, your dentist will suggest a recall time based 
on conditions in your mouth.

Many dental insurance companies recognize the importance of 
preventive care and authorize payment for a recall visit, and prophylaxis, 
usually twice a year.