Dental Exams & Cleanings
Hickory Creek, Texas
At Alta Family Dental, we believe in preventive dental care as the foundation of long-term oral health. From twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings to fluoride treatments, hydroxyapatite applications, dental sealants, and patient education, we strive to help patients in Hickory Creek and the surrounding communities of all ages maintain healthy, confident smiles for life.
What Can You Expect During a Dental Exam?
We typically start your dental exam by taking digital X-rays to detect early signs of tooth decay, bone loss, cysts, root problems, or other potential concerns. Dr. Bell will evaluate your teeth and gums to rule out tooth decay, chips, cracks, periodontal disease, or damaged dental restorations. He will also examine the alignment of your teeth and bite. Every exam includes an oral cancer screening to detect early signs of abnormalities, which can potentially be life-saving.
After your comprehensive dental exam, we will recommend any preventive or restorative dental treatment to keep your smile healthy and bright. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Even with the best brushing and flossing practices, plaque can harden to tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. During your professional dental cleaning, our dental hygienist will gently remove any plaque or tartar buildup present along your gumline and between your teeth using an ultrasonic scaler. Next, a gritty polisher will polish your teeth and remove surface stains, leaving your smile minty clean and bright.
Regular professional dental cleanings are necessary to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. They have been shown to reduce the risk of bleeding gums, periodontal disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
What Are Additional Preventive Dental Services Offered?
The following are some of the preventive dental services we offer to keep dental disease at bay:
Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite Treatment: To further protect your teeth after cleanings, we may recommend fluoride treatment. The naturally occurring mineral helps strengthen the tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities. We also offer hydroxyapatite, a fluoride-free option that is safe for adults and children and helps rebuild your tooth enamel naturally.
Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are a simple, effective way to protect teeth from cavities. They are especially helpful for the teeth in the back of your mouth, the first and second molars, which have deep grooves that trap food and bacteria. While we often recommend dental sealants for children as their first and second set of permanent molars emerge, they also offer benefits for teens and adults, especially those prone to decay.
Patient Education: We are always happy to discuss effective at-home oral hygiene practices, as well as nutrition and smile-healthy habits to keep your smile healthy between dental visits.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Preventive Dental Care?
Here is a look at the many benefits preventive dental care offers:
- It Helps Minimize Dental Problems: Regular preventive dental care helps reduce the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and oral infections, safeguarding your smile.
- It allows for Early Intervention: Routine dental exams help us detect oral health problems early when they’re easiest to treat, preventing them from progressing and requiring costly treatments down the road.
- It Keeps Your Smile Fresh and Bright: Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and surface stains, reducing bad breath and keeping your smile bright.
- It Enhances Your Health: Studies have shown that maintaining healthy gums can help lower the risk of conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes complications, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
- It Prevents Pain and Dental Emergencies: Preventive dental care reduces the chance of sudden toothaches, abscesses, or broken teeth that require urgent dental treatment.
Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Hickory Creek, TX
Whether you’re due for your routine preventive dental care or it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, Dr. Bell and his team at Alta Family Dental would love to welcome you. We strive to work alongside you to ensure you and your family members enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call our Hickory Creek family practice at 940-344-6070 to schedule your personalized consultation or book an appointment online today!