Preventative Services

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Comprehensive Exams

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it's important to see a dentist twice a year for a comprehensive exam and cleaning. This allows your dentist to catch problems early on when treatment is less invasive and costly.

Additionally, X-rays are necessary to fully evaluate the mouth and detect any cavities that may be hidden between teeth. If you have periodontitis (gum disease) or other issues that make it difficult to clean your teeth at home, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.

Professional Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are crucial in maintaining the cleanliness of your teeth and gums. Professional teeth cleanings are a gentle and non-invasive way to improve your gum health and control the buildup of any plaque and tartar.

Despite consistent oral hygiene habits, tartar may still form and require a trip to the dentist. Tartar is a type of hardened plaque that can only be removed by professional dental instruments.

Periodontal Treatments

  • Deep cleaning, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing, is a procedure used to treat periodontitis (gum disease) in its early stages. Unlike regular cleanings, which are meant to prevent gum disease, deep cleanings target the existing disease by removing bacteria from underneath the affected gum tissue.

  • Periodontal treatment is a non-invasive option for treating gum disease, particularly in its early stages, as an alternative to gum surgery. It reduces the depth of gum pockets without harming your teeth or gums and doesn't involve removing gum tissue. Most patients see improvement after one treatment and experience little to no pain or discomfort afterward!

  • Periodontal treatments are performed at a dental office and consist of two phases: scaling and root planing. To prevent discomfort, a gel and local anesthetic are applied to the gums before the cleaning.

    Blanchard Family Dentistry employs the use of ultrasonic cleaning. This machine removes the tartar buildup and plaque matrix using ultrasound waves. All the patient feels is a slight vibration and a gentle stream of water. The ultrasonic cleaner is followed up by using hand instruments to fine tune and put the finishing touches on the procedure. Each quadrant of the mouth takes about an hour to clean, and multiple visits may be required to complete the treatment.

    The procedure is generally painless during the cleaning due to the numbing gel and local anesthetic. Afterward, some mild discomfort, tooth sensitivity or gum tenderness may occur, but it typically subsides within a few days.

  • After your deep cleaning, an antimicrobial mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate may be prescribed to help control bacteria and prevent infection. This is also a good opportunity to establish good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush, flossing daily and using a mouth rinse after brushing and flossing. From there, your dentist may recommend regular periodontal treatments every three to four months.

A woman wearing red protective glasses receives a dental treatment, while a dentist uses a handheld dental tool with a blue light to examine her teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are used to protect teeth, particularly molars, from bacteria and cavities. Molars often have deep pits and grooves, which can be hard to clean and can trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay.

  • Dental sealants are made of a special filling material that's applied to these deep grooves, filling them in and making them easier to clean. This helps prevent tooth decay and protects the teeth from bacteria. They're usually recommended for children when their permanent molars erupt, but can be beneficial for patients of all ages.

    A dental sealant is a thin coating applied to the grooves in the chewing surface of molars to protect against cavities. It's made of a plastic material, a BPA-free composite resin, which bonds into the grooves and crevices of the tooth and acts as a barrier against plaque and food particles.

  • Dental sealants protect the chewing surface against cavities. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and preserves the health of both pre-molars and molars. They're a cost-effective way to maintain good oral hygiene, especially for those with deep grooves or pits in their molars.

    Additionally, sealants are easy to apply and can last for several years with proper care. They're also a safe and non-invasive option for preventing cavities, making them a popular choice among both children and adults.

  • Getting sealants usually involves the following steps. The entire process takes just a few minutes and is painless, making it a popular preventive measure for children and adults alike.

    1. Cleaning: The tooth that will be sealed is thoroughly cleaned, and any debris or plaque is removed.

    2. Conditioning: The surface of the tooth is etched to allow the sealant to bond properly.

    3. Application: The sealant material is applied to the surface of the tooth and placed in the grooves along the chewing surface.

    4. Curing: The sealant is then cured with a special light.

    5. Polishing: The surface of the sealant is smoothed and polished to ensure a comfortable bite.

  • We recommend maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and avoiding hard or sticky foods that can damage the sealant. Regular dental cleanings are also crucial in monitoring the condition of your sealants and having them re-applied if necessary. Another way to help maintain your sealants is to avoid biting on hard objects such as pens or fingernails.

A young boy is sitting in a dental chair, looking up at a female dentist who is preparing to examine his mouth. The boy appears to be in a dental clinic.

Fluoride Treatments

Tooth enamel is composed of minerals and can be weakened when exposed to acid. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel by restoring its mineral content and making it more resistant to cavities.

  • Fluoride treatments are a cost-effective way to maintain good oral health, especially for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing cavities. They can help improve overall oral health and protect against the negative effects of tooth decay.

  • The entire process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. A fluoride treatment can be completed during a regular dental check-up and repeated as needed to maintain good oral health.

    Getting a fluoride treatment at the dentist typically involves the following steps:

    1. Examination: The dentist will examine your teeth to assess the need for a fluoride treatment and check for any existing dental problems.

    2. Cleaning: The hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or debris that could interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.

    3. Application: The fluoride-containing solution, usually a foam or varnish, is applied to the teeth using a tray or a small brush.

    4. Time to set (foam): The trays will stay in your mouth for a few minutes. Afterward, the hygienist will suction out any excess.

    5. Follow-up: Depending on what type of fluoride was placed, your hygienist will give you post-treatment instructions.

A close-up of several blue contact lenses on a light blue surface.

Dental Guards

Dental guards are designed to safeguard your teeth from damage and injury. There are two varieties available: occlusal guards (also known as night guards) and sports guards.

  • Occlusal guards can be worn at night to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism. They provide a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, and can alleviate symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain and tooth sensitivity.

    Considering a night guard? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

    1. Does your spouse complain that you grind your teeth?

    2. Have you noticed chipping in your front teeth?

    3. Do your back teeth appear flat?

    4. Do you wake up with a sore jaw?

    5. Do you regularly experience tension in your temples?

  • Sports guards, also known as mouth guards, are protective devices worn over the teeth and gums to prevent injuries to the mouth and jaw during sports or other physical activities.

    They're typically made of rubber, plastic or other durable materials and can be custom-fitted by a dentist or purchased over the counter. We often recommend them for sports that involve physical contact such as football, basketball, baseball, softball, hockey and soccer.

  • You have three options: stock, boil-and-bite and custom-made. Stock and boil-and-bite dental guards are available over the counter. While they're cheaper, they're often ill-fitting, bulky and less durable – making them uncomfortable to wear.

    Alternatively, guards custom-made by your dentist are more expensive, but you're guaranteed durability, a perfect fit and better protection.