Preventive Dentistry

Would you like to avoid dental problems and save money? Dr. Ted Kimball can help. Preventive care is a hassle-free, cost-effective approach to keeping your smile healthy and attractive.

The easiest way to preserve your smile is to maintain good oral hygiene at home, and have your teeth professionally cleaned.

If your mouth is relatively healthy, we recommend dental cleaning at least twice annually to remove dental plaque and stains that can’t be removed through normal brushing and flossing. Those who have periodontal issues may benefit from more frequent cleanings. These appointments include an examination by Dr. Kimball, where he checks for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Following are more details on preventive dental treatments provided at our office.

Professional teeth cleaning This is a noninvasive procedure that involves thoroughly cleaning your teeth by removing plaque, tartar and the stains from teeth that are caused by the foods and beverages you consume. Your mouth is inspected for signs of oral cancer and gum disease, and your teeth are polished and flossed.

Dental X-rays We take X-rays as needed so we can see what is going on in the areas of your mouth that can’t be seen by the naked eye. This includes areas between your teeth, your tooth roots, and your jaw bone. X-rays can reveal problems going on beneath the gum line. The earlier problems are identified, the more conservative the treatment.

Fluoride Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria in plaque that accumulates on teeth and gums. Fluoride is a powerful decay-fighting tool that can help protect teeth and even repair teeth in the earliest stages of decay. Fluoride treatments may be a good idea for children and adults who are at moderate to high risk of developing tooth decay. It is a topical treatment applied to tooth surfaces during your appointment.

Home care counseling Your professional teeth cleaning appointments with our registered dental hygienist and checkups with Dr. Kimball are important, but what you do at home to care for your teeth between those appointments is doubly important. Our dental hygienist can give you tips on brushing and flossing, as well as nutritional information to help promote healthy teeth.

Some maintenance medicines cause dry mouth, which can contribute to cavities and gum disease. Let us know if you deal with this so we can recommend products to use.