Preventative Care
Welcome to Greenwood Dental Arts
Exceptional oral health care that will make your whole family smile.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Dental check-ups are as important to overall health as annual check-ups at your primary doctor’s office. Regular hygiene visits and dental examinations are the key to maintaining your oral health, preventing potential dental or gum issues, and providing peace of mind that your mouth and smile are in optimal condition. At your regular check-ups, our team will be able use dental x-rays and examinations to detect tooth decay or gum disease, then take the needed steps to help you obtain overall health of your teeth and gums. Check-up frequency is determined by your individual needs and will be discussed in your treatment plan.
Teeth Cleaning
Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most fundamental yet important preventative treatments we provide at our office. During the cleaning, our team will remove plaque and tartar as well as evaluate the health of your gums. We happily educate our patients on oral health and offer homecare instructions to ensure you will be able to maintain your healthy, bright smile in between cleanings.
Deep dental cleanings, or scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment designed to clean bacteria and buildup deep below the gum tissue where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Each tooth is thoroughly cleaned below the gum line, removing plaque, calculus, and harmful bacteria. After an examination, we will determine if you are a candidate for this type of cleaning.
Complete Oral Exams
Your first visit to Greenwood Dental Arts is crucial to crafting the most effective dental treatment plan for you. During the appointment, we will make recommendations for same-day diagnostics such as x-rays, digital scans or models, and photographs of your teeth.
On your second visit, we will have studied your dental history, so we will be ready to conduct a complete dental examination and schedule a personalized cleaning with a hygienist. We believe that this investment in time establishes a mutually trusting relationship and will help prevent any dental emergencies in the future.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Our office performs a visual oral cancer screening during patient dental exams. We use the Identafi® oral cancer screening system, which was recognized as a Top Product in 2012 in Dentistry Today. This product uses three different wavelengths of light so that oral tissue changes can be monitored, and any abnormalities detected. This three-wavelength system provides vital information needed to make accurate treatment recommendations. If you notice something unusual in your mouth, please contact our office and schedule an appointment.
Sealants
Dental sealants are tooth-colored resins that are applied to the decay-prone grooves and pits of your teeth. They are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your teeth and help protect your teeth and smile.
Oral Health Affects All Health
At Greenwood Dental Arts, we believe that the mouth is the “window to the body” and a healthy mouth helps you enjoy better overall health. There are many connections between the health of the oral cavity and systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. We will always focus on educating you to best understand the health connections in your body. This is why we encourage you to do everything possible to keep your mouth healthy, including brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, making and keeping regular dental appointments, paying attention to any changes or “signals” your mouth may be sending you, and discussing them with us.