Dr. Ravi Doctor likes to take a proactive approach when it comes to dental care. Rather than just reacting to problems and fixing them as they occur, he works to prevent them from popping up in the first place. Saving our patients, the time and stress of having to deal with cavities and gum disease is our goal. Below, you’ll find multiple services that are all designed to save you from future headaches, and they’ll also help you save on your dental care in the long run! To schedule you or your child’s next visit for preventive dentistry in Arlington, contact us today.
Dental Checkups and Dental Cleanings
If you want a healthy smile, there are two things you need to do: brush and floss every day and get a professional checkup and cleaning every 3-4 months, or at least once every six months. At these routine appointments, Dr. Doctor will perform an exam that will enable him to find and treat any decay or damage as early as possible, plus our hygienist will use special tools to remove harmful tartar deposits from your mouth that you aren’t able to tackle at home.
Oral Cancer Screening
Regularly visiting a dentist is not only essential for your oral health, but it can help you protect your overall health as well. Dr. Doctor performs thorough oral cancer screenings at every checkup, keeping an eye out for suspicious sores, growths, or discolored patches of tissue you might easily miss. Early detection and treatment are vital to beating this disease, and by coming to see him regularly, he can make sure it never affects you or a loved one.
Nightguards for Bruxism
When you wake up in the morning, does your jaw or head always hurt? Do your teeth look worn down, flat, or even brittle? These are all signs that point to nighttime teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism. About 1 in 3 people suffer from this problem, which can lead to broken teeth and a strained jaw if left alone. To help patients rest easy, Dr. Doctor can prescribe them a nightguard to wear to bed, which will place a plastic barrier between the teeth so they’re unable to press together during sleep.
TMJ Therapy
Do you frequently experience jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or soreness in your neck and shoulders, and you can never figure out why? All these problems and more can have a common cause: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the set of hinges that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your head, and it can sometimes develop strain, arthritis, and dysfunction due to injury or a misaligned bite. Fortunately, Dr. Doctor cannot only diagnose these kinds of problems but help treat them as well. He can rebalance the bite and provide custom oral appliances to stop longstanding pain and improve jaw function at the same time.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and helps prevents cavities. Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing cavities.
Fluoride treatments that are provided are in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish. The treatment may be applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. These treatments have a much higher fluoride content than what’s in your water or toothpaste, and they only take a few minutes to apply! You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment so the fluoride can fully absorb.
Toothbrush Abrasion
Brushing aggressively, using a hard bristled toothbrush, abrasive toothpastes or brushing with too much force can wear down gum tissue and tooth structure resulting in gum recession and root sensitivity. It is best to use a soft bristled toothbrush with gentle circular strokes for about 2 minutes after every meal. This will help to avoid excessive wear on your tissue and teeth.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are more susceptible to cavities and decay. The sealant material is usually made of a plastic resin that bonds to the enamel of the tooth, creating a barrier that protects the tooth from harmful bacteria and acids. The procedure is quick, painless and can usually be completed in a single dental visit. Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, who may be more prone to developing cavities due to poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. However, adults may also benefit from dental sealants, especially if they have deep grooves or pits in their teeth that are difficult to clean properly.
