Preventive Care in Queen Creek, AZ

Preventive Care in Queen Creek, AZ

Most patients are aware that it’s important to prevent tooth decay through excellent daily oral hygiene habits at home and routine exams and cleanings with our dentist near you. However, the health of your gum tissue is equally important as it provides a supportive structure for your teeth. At Alexander Family Dental, we offer preventive care in Queen Creek, AZ, to help you maintain optimal oral health for your teeth and gums.

Periodontics

Periodontics is a field of dentistry that specializes in inflammatory diseases that affect a patient’s gum tissue and underlying bone structure through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. One of the first signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums during at-home brushing or flossing. Other symptoms include teeth that feel loose in the mouth, receding gums, or any pain and discomfort felt near or underneath the gumline.

Patients that are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms should schedule a comprehensive exam with our dentist in Queen Creek, AZ, immediately. Dr. Alexander will assess the health of your gums and recommend any necessary treatment to prevent the problem from worsening and restore you to optimal oral health.

Extractions and Root Canals

When possible, it’s best to avoid extraction, which is the professional removal of a tooth. However, extractions may be necessary for patients with advanced gum disease. If oral bacteria infiltrate below the gum line, it results in infection and inflammation that will continue to worsen over time. Dr. Alexander may need to treat the underlying infection by extracting the tooth. This is part of preventive care in that, without extraction, gum disease will spread and infect other teeth in the mouth.

Root canals are another means of preventive care for patients. Root canal therapy can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth with infected and inflamed roots. Our dentist near you will perform a root canal to prevent tooth loss and restore the affected tooth to health.

Your oral health is important, including the health of your gums as well as teeth. Contact our team at Alexander Family Dental for more information about preventive care near you.

FAQ's

What is preventive dental care?
Preventive dental care involves practices and treatments that help maintain the health of your teeth and gums, preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. This includes regular cleanings, exams, and education on how to care for your teeth at home.
Why is preventive dental care important?
Preventive dental care is important because it helps identify potential problems before they become serious. Regular exams and cleanings reduce the possible risk of cavities, gum ailment, and many other dental issues, ultimately saving you time and money on more complex treatments.
How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?
Most people should visit their dentist for preventive care, including a cleaning and checkup, at least twice a year. However, some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their individual dental health needs, such as if they are at higher risk for cavities or gum disease.
What is involved in a preventive dental care visit?
A typical preventive dental visit includes a complete examination of your teeth as well as gums, a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and possibly X-rays to check for underlying issues. Your dentist will also offer guidance on improving your home care routine and suggest any additional treatments if necessary.
Does preventive care include teeth cleanings?
Yes, teeth cleanings are a key part of preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar collection that can’t be removed by brushing alone, helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What should I do at home to complement my preventive dental care?
At home, it’s important to brush your teeth minimum two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash to help lessen plaque. Eating a balanced diet and controlling sugary foods/drinks also play a significant part in maintaining good oral health.
Can preventive care help prevent gum disease?
Absolutely! Preventive care, which include regular cleanings and exams, is essential in preventing gum disease. Early signs of gum disease, including swollen or bleeding gums, can generally be reversed with professional treatment and better home care habits.
How does preventive care help with cavity prevention?
Preventive care helps catch cavities early and keeps plaque from turning into tartar, which contributes to cavities. Regular cleanings remove plaque collection that can cause decay, and your dentist may apply fluoride treatments or dental sealants to further safeguard your teeth.
Can preventive care help with bad breath (halitosis)?
Yes! Preventive dental care helps keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria, which is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Regular cleanings, along with brushing and flossing at home, can significantly reduce halitosis (bad breath) by removing food particles and plaque that cause odors.
Is preventive dental care the same for children and adults?
Preventive dental care is really important for everyone, but there may be specific recommendations for children and adults. For children, this includes the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants to safeguard developing teeth, while adults may need more frequent cleanings or treatments based on their oral health and risk factors.
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