Preventative Dentistry in Huntington

As its name implies, the goal of preventative dentistry is to prevent dental problems from developing or to prevent existing problems from worsening. Preventative dentistry services are all designed to help you maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. Services included in preventative dental care include fluoride treatments, dental sealants, biannual dental cleanings and oral examinations, and custom mouthguards or nightguards.

• Prevents demineralization of teeth (children)
• Prevents those with deep grooves in teeth from developing cavities
• Removes plaque and tartar to prevent the development of gum disease
• Prevents damage to teeth due to teeth grinding
• Identifies potential problems including impacted teeth, changes in tissue, or other abnormalities in the jaw, mouth, or neck.

A comprehensive oral examination is recommended for patients of all ages, every six months. During this examination, Dr. Kelly Kalmar will be evaluating your bite, teeth, jaw function, and gums, as well as examining your neck and throat to ensure you are in good oral health. At indicated intervals, you will also receive reduced radiation digital X-rays to ensure that problems are not developing beneath the surface of your teeth or gums.

The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on the teeth, often between teeth and near the gumline. Having a professional dental cleaning every six months helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Your dental cleaning at Kalmar Family Dentistry will include flossing, and professional polishing as well. 

Dental sealants are effective preventative dental treatments for children and teens. Sealants safely and painlessly fill in the grooves of the molars to prevent cavities from forming.

Flouride treatments for children are used to prevent demineralization, and ultimately tooth decay. These treatments are effective, safe, and entirely painless for children.

Kalmar Family Dentistry provides custom mouthguards, also known as sports guards to athletes of all ages. Custom mouth guards are fit to each patient’s mouth, ensuring a more secure fit, and greater protection than store-bought mouthguards.

Learn more about Custom Mouth Guards

Teeth grinding can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth and gums. It is also a leading cause of TMJ. A custom night guard prevents excessive force that wears away the teeth and puts pressure on the jaw joint.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected.  When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection.  Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.

A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.

Learn more about Extractions

Call 631-673-0670 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

Will my dental exam and cleaning hurt?

Your comprehensive oral exam will not hurt. Thanks to advancements in technology, imaging tests are entirely painless, as are digital impressions. You may experience a bit of sensitivity during your dental cleaning as plaque and tartar are removed. If you’re fearful of your appointment, ask us about sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide.

How long does a dental cleaning and exam take?

Most oral examinations and dental cleanings take roughly one hour to complete. If you need digital x-rays, or if your child requires additional preventative services such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants, it may take just a bit longer.

My teeth don’t hurt, do I need to see a dentist?

Yes. There is a growing body of evidence that links poor oral health with potentially dangerous chronic health conditions. Additionally, small problems may not produce symptoms in the early stages, but without early intervention, can become much more complex conditions. When it comes to maintaining lifelong oral health, preventative dental care is essential.

How do I know if my child has a cavity?

Symptoms of a cavity in children often mimic symptoms of a cavity in older patients. Your child may complain of a toothache, develop a new sensitivity to certain foods, or refuse to eat. You may also see tiny dots on your child’s teeth. If eating habits change, your child complains of pain, or you see spots on your child’s teeth, it’s important to book an examination and cleaning ASAP.

Is a custom night guard worth it?

When it comes to dental care, prevention can save you a fortune. By preventing excessive wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding, you can preserve your teeth, and prevent costly treatments for damaged teeth, gum disease, or even problems with your jaw joint.

Book Your Dental Appointment Today

To schedule your oral examination and dental cleaning at Kalmar Family Dentistry, call 631-673-0670 or send us a message.