Our general dentists are experienced in several areas of dentistry. We believe the gateway to your overall health begins in your mouth. Certainly, you’ve heard that dental experts recommend a minimum of two visits per year to the dentist. These two visits to the dentist and proper oral care at home can reduce your risk for oral disease.
Our Sumter, SC dentists take a proactive approach with our patients. Preventive dental care is the message that our team delivers daily to patients. By and large, you can lower your risk to oral disease and other diseases in the human body with a proactive oral hygiene plan. Continue reading to learn more about our general dentistry services.
Dental Cleanings
Even the most conscientious daily brushing and flossing cannot eradicate all the plaque from your teeth. In just 48 hours, plaque can harden into tartar, a stubborn substance that can only be removed professionally. Both plaque and tartar contain bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. This is why it is so important that you schedule regular dental cleanings with a trusted practitioner.
During your dental cleaning at our office, a hygienist will remove plaque and tartar, helping to lower your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Your hygienist will also answer any questions you have about brushing, flossing, and the best practices for at-home oral hygiene.
Oral Exams
Oral exams, or dental checkups, are necessary every six months to remain vigilant about the onset of any dental issues. We want to find and treat problems in their earliest stages to avoid complications. During your checkup at our office, we may take low-radiation digital x-rays and intraoral images of your teeth.
Your doctor will review your oral and medical history, current medications, and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. He will then evaluate your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and jaw joints. If the doctor discovers anything of concern, he will explain his findings and work with you to develop an optimal treatment plan.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Do you suffer from migraines, earaches, or jaw pain? Some patients who exhibit these symptoms are actually suffering from a disorder of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, called TMJ disorder. Our doctors utilize a variety of methods of TMJ disorder treatment, including Botox treatment by Dr. Tina Vu-Heaton. Another treatment is the use of an oral appliance that repositions and stabilizes the jaw.
The stabilization of the jaw joint serves two purposes. The first is pain relief: when tense and overworked jaw muscles can finally relax, TMJ pain subsides. The second purpose is to help “reprogram” jaw muscles to hold the joint in proper alignment. TMJ is a complex disorder with a variety of causes, and it manifests in myriad ways. It is important to seek treatment from a skilled practitioner who has experience successfully managing TMJ.
Preventive Dental Care
The best dentistry is preventive because it reduces the risk of patients developing dental and oral health issues that require restorative treatment. In accordance with the American Dental Association’s recommendations, we advise patients to schedule two checkups and dental cleanings each year, or more frequently if recommended by your dentist.
At checkups, your doctor can screen for gum disease, oral cancer, and alignment problems. We advise patients to brush and floss daily and eat a balanced diet with limited sugar to help prevent cavities. We also encourage patients to bring their young children to our office for their first dental cleaning, helping to instill good oral hygiene and alleviate dental anxiety at an early age.
Although we always strive to avoid the need for extraction, in some cases, this is the best way to resolve or prevent oral health issues. In these instances, you can expect gentle treatment.