Dental offices are a place where patients can go for oral care. They are similar to clinics in that they both provide treatment procedures, but a Dental Office also handles clerical and administrative tasks.

Most dental professionals understand the importance of having strong business skills to run their practice effectively. But it’s important to remember that these skills are not their primary focus.

Preventive Care

Preventive care in the dental office includes oral exams, professional teeth cleanings, X-rays and other services that help detect and treat problems at their earliest stages. This allows patients to avoid more costly and invasive procedures down the road.

Good oral health is linked to overall health and wellness. Studies show that poor oral hygiene can lead to diabetes, heart disease and other health issues. Preventive dentistry includes brushing twice a day with anti-cavity toothpaste and flossing daily to remove food particles that can cause cavities. It also includes using mouthwash, fluoride treatments and dental sealants on permanent molars to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Regular preventive dental visits are key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Many adults look forward to their regular visits because they enjoy the squeaky clean feeling and knowing that they’re preventing more serious oral issues down the road. Often, routine dental appointments are covered 100% by a patient’s insurance plan, making them an affordable option for anyone who wants to take control of their oral health.

Routine Cleanings

A routine cleaning is the most important preventative treatment for your teeth, gums and overall wellness. While brushing and flossing are the best preventative measures you can take for your oral health, a dental professional will be able to clean parts of your mouth that a toothbrush and floss may miss.

Routine cleanings are recommended every six months for healthy individuals with no or minimal gum inflammation. During this time, our dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from both above and below the gumline to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. Tartar can lead to bad breath, inflamed gums and cavities if left untreated. A routine cleaning can also help to keep your teeth and gums looking their best by removing surface stains. This can make your smile look fresher and healthier! This is why it’s so important to schedule your cleaning appointments as often as possible.

X-Rays

Dental X-rays allow us to get a look at what is going on inside your mouth, helping us detect tooth decay and other issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. X-rays are non-invasive and quick, and they also provide a baseline for monitoring changes in your oral health over time.

Your dental care professional will recommend a specific X-ray schedule based on your age, risk for disease, and signs and symptoms. Those with low-risk and no history of oral disease may need X-rays every couple years, while those with more serious problems might need them more frequently.

Digital advancements make it possible for dentists to reduce patient exposure by using software that digitally compares current X-ray images with previous ones. This allows dentists to only expose patients to the radiation needed for diagnosis. Patients should always follow their dentist’s recommendations regarding X-ray frequency and should discuss any concerns about radiation with their dentists.

Cosmetic Treatments

A dental office can offer cosmetic procedures to fix imperfections with a patient’s smile. These treatments can be quick and painless, with results that last for years without touch-ups.

Cosmetic dentists typically use composite resin or porcelain to fill chips, cracks and holes in a tooth. This procedure can also hide small to medium-sized teeth gaps or cover discolored or misshaped teeth. Dental veneers are another common cosmetic treatment that uses a thin porcelain shell to cover the front of your teeth.

Anyone who wishes to improve their smile is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Your general dentist will discuss all options with you and help you find the right procedure to meet your needs. If you have extensive damage or cavities, your dentist will want to address these issues before recommending any cosmetic treatment.