Preventive Dentistry – Rockwall, TX
Saving Your Future Smile
Think of preventive dentistry as investing in your future self’s oral health. Just by attending two checkups and cleanings each year, you can largely avoid the serious dental issues that can cause major problems for both your health and appearance. By maintaining these visits and quality oral hygiene at home, you’ll experience fewer (if any) cavities, have a more attractive smile, and spend significantly less on your dental care. It’s a positive approach no matter how you look at it, and you can start the process by contacting us today to schedule your next appointment for preventive dentistry in Rockwall, TX.
Why Choose Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall for Preventive Dentistry?
- Ready to Treat the Entire Family Under One Roof
- Two Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Fully Personalized Care for Each Patient
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Checkups and cleanings are two of the most basic services we provide, but they are by far two of the most important as well. Regular exams allows Dr. Spillman to catch the earliest signs of dental issues and fix them before a patient notices anything, and professional cleanings remove harmful plaque and tartar that are the root cause of most dental disease. For children and adults alike, these simple appointments can make a dramatic and lasting difference for someone’s oral health.
Children’s Dentistry
Children’s mouths change very quickly as they are growing, plus little ones require a gentler touch to ensure they remain comfortable and calm at the dentist. Our team has plenty of experience treating the youngest members of the family, so when you bring your child to see us, you can trust they are always in good hands. In addition to checkups and cleanings, we’ll also take the time during each appointment to teach your favorite smile about good dental habits so they will adopt them as soon as possible.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants involve placing a thin layer of dental plastic over the teeth in order to keep them safe from bacteria and other factors that could lead to cavities. We typically recommend them for children and only apply them to the back teeth, as younger patients frequently develop decay because the molars can be difficult to clean while they are learning to brush. We can also use them to help adults who are more cavity-prone as well.
Fluoride Treatment
Over time, the enamel on our teeth becomes worn down by the bacteria and acids it is exposed to on a daily basis, but fluoride helps combat this process by replacing the minerals that are lost. That’s why you’ll find it added to most oral healthcare products and even tap water. We can help keep our patients’ smiles safe by applying a highly-concentrated fluoride gel to the teeth as part of regular cleanings, which along with consistent at-home practices, can help someone completely avoid cavities for years at a time.
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Is your jaw constantly sore, or do you frequently experience headaches and don’t know why? You could be dealing with a problem in your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. A TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the main jaw joint and can be a source of chronic pain felt in the mouth, face, head, and neck. Fortunately, our team can identify this problem and apply treatment to rebalance the bite that will lead to lasting relief and better oral function.
Preventive Dentistry FAQs
Preventive care from your “dentist near me” can save you money, spare you from pain, and most importantly, support your overall wellness. However, you might have questions about this aspect of your health routine. Below, you will find a list of FAQs, along with succinct answers. Feel free to give us a call if you would like further explanation on anything you discover.
How Much Does a Cleaning and Checkup Cost?
The cost of a cleaning and checkup can vary greatly between dental practices. Without insurance, most patients pay a few hundred dollars for this type of appointment. At first, that might seem expensive, but when you consider that cleanings and checkups can save you thousands of dollars on restorative care in the future, they are a worthwhile investment.
For our patients that do have insurance, they often have to pay little to nothing out of pocket for their routine preventive care. Most plans cover 100% of the cost of two cleanings and checkups each year.
How Often Should I Visit My Dentist for Preventive Care?
The standard recommendation is that everyone comes in for a preventive appointment once every six months. This allows us to keep an eye on your oral health and catch most problems well before they become serious. However, there are some exceptions to the normal recommendation. For example, if you are struggling to manage gum disease, you may need to visit us three or four times each year for a cleaning and periodontal maintenance.
What Exactly Happens During a Cleaning and Checkup Appointment?
During the cleaning portion of your appointment, a talented hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also floss between your teeth and polish your enamel. You may feel a bit of pressure or very minor discomfort during your cleaning, but you should not experience any real pain. During the checkup, Dr. Spillman will review any X-Rays that we took, perform a visual examination of your teeth, and, if necessary, recommend treatments to improve your oral health.
How Can I Care Well for My Smile at Home?
During your appointment, you can ask your dentist or hygienist for personalized product recommendations and coaching on at-home smile care. In the meantime, here are some general best practices for preventing dental problems:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss once a day. Old-fashioned string floss tends to be more effective than floss picks and water flossers.
- Use a mouth rinse to kill bacteria or address any specific dental concerns that you have.
- Eat a nutritious diet that is low in sugar and acidic substances.