PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Preventative Dentistry: The Key to a Lifelong Healthy Smile
Multiple oral health services work together to keep teeth and gums healthy. These encompass regular oral exams, sealants for teeth, topical fluoride treatments, and individualized dental treatment plans.
Preventative dentistry is the foundation of our approach at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre. We treat patients of all ages with the same dedication to wellness and prevention. Our strategies are tailored to each age group, from early age to seniors.
By emphasizing prevention, we can help our patients avoid dental problems before developing into more serious ones. In addition to routine dental check-ups, we offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent decay and cavities. If decay has already damaged the tooth structure, dental filling may be recommended to restore the tooth.
Why Preventative Dentistry Matters
In order to achieve your unique preventative care objectives, we will collaborate to develop a plan just for you. This is essential for achieving and maintaining good oral health.
- Our preventive dental services detect issues early before they worsen.
- Avoids costly and extensive treatments.
- Improves overall health care by lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The Canadian Dental Association, with the support of the American Dental Association, recommends good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to maintain mouth health at home. Most importantly, consulting a reliable dentist can further improve your good habits.
Preventative Dentistry Age Guide
Age Group | Preventive Recommendations |
0-12 months |
|
1-3 years |
|
3-6 years |
|
6-12 years |
|
12-18 years |
|
Our Preventive Dental Care Services
Fissure Sealants
Protecting the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars) from harmful bacteria is the goal of a fissure sealant. These teeth’ chewing surfaces have deep fissures that are hard to clean with just daily brushing. Cavities form when food and bacteria get trapped in these fissures.
How They Work?
- Cleaning. Plaque and food particles are removed from the tooth surface.
- Preparation. After drying, we apply an acidic solution to the fissures to roughen the tooth and improve sealant adhesion.
- Sealant Application. Apply liquid resin sealant to prepared fissures to flow into tooth grooves and crevices.
- Hardening. A special curing light hardens sealant to protect the tooth enamel to lower decay risk.
Benefits
- Effective Decay Prevention. Studies show sealants reduce molar decay by nearly 80%.
- Non-invasive and Painless. The application is painless and does not require oral surgery.
- Durability. Reapplication of sealants is needed after several years for durability and chew-resistance.
- Cost-effective. Protecting with sealants is cheaper than treating cavities.
Dental Night Guards
A dental night guard protects teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching while sleeping. Common dental issues caused by bruxism include enamel wear, fractures, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Custom. These are usually the most comfortable since they’re made by a general dentist.
- Boil and Bite. You can usually find these at drugstores and sporting goods stores. After boiling the guard, a person bites down and shapes it to their mouth.
- Stock. This mouthguard is already made and ready to wear, but it might not fit properly.
How They Work?
Night guard forces the relaxation of the muscles, preventing tooth decay and oral cavity damage. They’re custom-made to ensure proper fit.
- An impression of the teeth is taken by our dentist.
- Using this impression, a replica of the teeth can be made.
- Following the model, the night guard is made from durable materials with a soft interior and hard exterior.
Benefits of a Night Guard
- Protects Teeth. Prevents enamel erosion and fractures.
- Reduces Jaw Pain. Reduces TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and muscle fatigue.
- Avoids Long-Term Damage. Reduces the risk of chronic bruxism-related tooth and jaw damage.
- Enhances Sleep. Night guards improve sleep by reducing pain and discomfort.
Maintenance and Care
- Regular Cleaning. Use a toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to clean night guards daily.
- Storage. Use a ventilated case to store them when not in use to prevent bacterial growth.
- Regular Check-ups. Must be checked for proper fit and maintenance at regular dentist visits.
Our dentists offer a wide range of dentistry services to help patients maintain their oral health. More of our services include:
- Dental cleanings
- Root canals
- Pediatric dentistry
- Oral cancer screenings
Prevent Future Oral Problems with Westgate Dental & Implant Centre
The foundation of lasting oral health is preventive dental care. We focus on early detection and prevention at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre to help our patients avoid periodontal disease, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
We ensure proper dental care with regular check-ups, professional cleanings, tooth sealants, and night guards. You can try dental implants and other cosmetic surgeries to keep your teeth healthy. Having proper oral hygiene and guide from a reliable Maple Ridge dentist can help you achieve your dental health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure I'm effectively practicing preventive care at home?
You can support preventive care at home by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports. It is also important to keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings, so your dentist can detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns before they become more serious.
How can I choose the right mouthguard for sports or teeth grinding?
For sports, it’s advisable to opt for a custom-fitted mouthguard, as it offers superior comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
For teeth grinding, a custom-fitted night guard prescribed by a dentist is recommended. This provides a precise fit and maximum effectiveness in preventing tooth damage and discomfort.
Is preventive dentistry suitable for individuals with anxiety or phobia?
Yes, preventive dental visits are suitable for individuals with anxiety or phobia. Westgate Dental & Implant Centre offers a welcoming and supportive environment for patients.
Communicate your concerns with your dentist, and we can discuss options such as sedation dentistry or relaxation techniques to help you feel more comfortable during appointments.