Preventive Dentistry Durham
The Key to Smiles That Last a Lifetime
Preventive dentistry is just what you would expect it to be—it includes a variety of surfaces aimed at stopping oral health problems from developing by minimizing the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth. This umbrella of dentistry also includes proactive protection for those who are at a higher risk of damaging teeth, like patients who have bruxism. Call our office today to learn how we can help you maintain a healthy and complete smile with preventive dentistry in Durham.
Why Choose Crafting Smiles for Preventive Dentistry?
- Family-Friendly Dental Office
- Compassionate & Experienced Dentist
- We Accept Dental Insuranc
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
The American Dental Association advises patients to receive bi-annual dental checkups and teeth cleanings, which just means every six months. This process includes a thorough preventive examination of your teeth and gums, ensuring that no problems are left to progress, a thorough oral cancer screening, and X-rays. After your checkup is completed, one of our skilled dental hygienists will remove all of the plaque and tartar accumulation from your teeth and polish and floss them, leaving your smile feeling refreshed until the next time we see you.
Children’s Dentistry
Dr. Ulloa and our team regularly treat patients of all ages, including children! We’re diligent about helping young patients learn the best brushing and flossing techniques, as well as teaching them about the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. We also offer several kid-friendly treatments to ward off the threat of cavities, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments. So, if you’re looking for a dentist in Durham for all of your loved ones, know that we can take care of a wide variety of needs!
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally derived mineral that’s produced by rocks and found in fresh fruits and vegetables, the soil, and even the air. Due to its ability to strengthen the protective enamel and prevent tooth decay, many communities also add it to public drinking water, as well as dental hygiene products. If we find that you’re at a higher risk of cavity development, we may recommend a quick and easy fluoride treatment after your cleaning. This just involves placing a fluoridated gel onto your teeth to fortify and protect them.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are clear, umbrella-like covers that we can paint over the top biting surface of the molars to keep food debris and plaque from building up in their pits and grooves. Often recommended for our younger patients, these make effective brushing much easier and can help ward off the threat of decay. A great benefit of sealants is that they will likely continue protecting your child’s teeth until they either fall out on their own or for several years.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache often? These are two of the most common signs of bruxism or the nightly grinding and clenching of the teeth. Over time the force and tension created from doing this each night can lead to the deterioration of your teeth and flattening of your molars, as well as secondary dental concerns, like TMJ disorder. Dr. Ulloa can create a custom-fitted nightguard for you to wear as you sleep to provide some cushion and support to your jaw joints and teeth to preserve them.