Essential Dental Prevention at Larson Dental
Receiving regular professional dental exams and cleanings is vital for maintaining a healthy mouth and should be prioritized. If it’s been a while since you last visited your dentist for a dental checkup, it may be time to schedule your appointment. Our Prescott Valley dentists can help get your dental health back on track through frequent visits.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on oral health maintenance to avoid developing problems or intervening as soon as possible to keep any problems minimal. With regular dental cleanings and examinations from our general dentist, you can avoid gum disease, oral cancers, and other conditions, or begin treatment in their early stages.
The Importance of Professional Dental Treatment
Professional dental cleanings are one of the most important ways of removing built-up plaque and tartar. Contrary to popular belief, normal dental hygiene routines are not enough to keep harmful bacteria and cavities away. Although brushing and flossing may help stop the progression of bacteria, these habits alone aren’t capable of removing hard plaque from your smile.
Maintaining a healthy mouth requires the work of a professional to help assist in the removal of stubborn plaque or tartar buildup over time. Therefore, visiting your dentist for biannual appointments is highly encouraged.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings and exams generally consist of Dr. Larson cleaning and examining the teeth and gums. However, family dentists may also check the tongue, throat, head, neck, and mouth. These examinations can help your dentist determine the state of your mouth, as well as your health, and help catch diseases early.
After thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums, we’ll polish and floss your smile to give it a clean, beautiful shine. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, Dr. Larson may recommend changes to your hygiene routine or future treatments to protect your oral health.
Dental Exams
When it comes to examinations, dentists look for abnormalities in the face, neck, and lymph nodes. By examining these parts, our family dentists can help prevent or diagnose dental health problems such as:
- Gum disease
- TMJ disorder
- Loose teeth
- Bite misalignment
- Damaged fillings
- Tooth decay
- Fractured or broken teeth
Explore Your Treatment Options at Larson Dental
If you need an oral health check-up or a routine dental cleaning, contact our Prescott Valley dentists at Larson Dental. We offer comprehensive dental treatments for all your oral healthcare needs. Our dedicated dentists and staff will ensure that you’re comfortable and get the best high-quality care possible.
To schedule your appointment, contact our office by calling (928) 772-8128 or by filling out our online contact form, available on this page. We’re looking forward to speaking with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental cleanings painful?
During your teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist will mostly be working on the surfaces of your teeth, so pain is unlikely. However, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, you may experience some discomfort during the cleaning. If this occurs, Dr. Larson can use a local or topical anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
How much will a dental cleaning cost?
If you have a dental insurance policy, your dental cleaning may be partially or fully covered, and you won’t need to pay for it yourself. However, if you don’t have dental insurance, you will need to pay for the cleaning out-of-pocket. To find out how much your cleaning will cost, please contact the office for assistance.
Can gum disease be cured?
Most early-stage cases of gum disease can be cured with professional treatment. The first stage, gingivitis, can even be reversed with the help of better oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist.
With the help of Dr. Larson, you may have a chance to cure your mild or advanced gum disease. Once your treatment is done, you need to follow oral health instructions from Dr. Larson so you can fully recover and help ensure your gum disease doesn’t return.
How soon after a deep cleaning will my gingivitis go away?
Following a deep cleaning, any swelling or discomfort should subside within a short amount of time, usually a couple of days to a few weeks. The time will vary from patient to patient, depending on their unique physiology and level of infection. To promote healing and keep your mouth free of excess bacterial build-up, you’ll want to follow any instructions given to you by Dr. Larson. This includes rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater and using over-the-counter pain medications to ease any discomfort or swelling you may experience after a deep cleaning.