When it comes to oral problems, they don’t improve with age. Both children and adults need regular preventive care to keep them away. During your visit, our team will diagnose and treat small issues before they damage your smile. As a result, you can save money and time at our dental office with effective preventive dentistry in Sycamore, IL.
A key part of maintaining your healthy smile is staying on top of dental exams and cleanings. During your first visit, we perform a very detailed exam, then recommend follow-up appointments to best meet your oral health needs. We stay on the lookout for cavities, signs of wear and tear, and other concerns. We also examine your gum tissue, the balance of your bite, and the rest of your mouth for potential signs of oral cancer. This helps us catch problems in the earliest states, making it easier to treat them and protect your oral health.
It’s best to visit our dental office at least once every six months for a routine cleaning. This will make a huge impact on the longevity of your oral health and quality of your overall health. For example, cleanings remove plaque and tartar, both of which cause bleeding gums and infections. Without treatment, gum infections (or periodontal disease) can cause bone loss, tooth loss, and even increase risk for heart attacks and stroke. Cleanings matter, but you’ll also need to brush and floss in between regular visits.
Did you know that both kids and adults can benefit from fluoride? We use it to protect your child’s teeth from cavities, but also to remineralize the teeth in patients of all ages! Our dental office utilizes Clinpro 5000 home fluoride therapy as well for better at-home protection.
During an oral cancer screening, one of our dentists will look inside your mouth and confirm if any early signs or symptoms are present, including white or red patches of tissue or long-term mouth sores. They will feel around the tissues of your mouth and check for lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities as well. We recommend oral cancer screenings annually. If you have dentures, we’ll check the tissue underneath. We’ll also go over tips to reduce your risk for developing oral cancer.
Did you know you may be grinding or clenching your teeth without knowing it? This problem, known as bruxism, can easily damage teeth and require the need for restorations. To prevent breaks, chips, or worn-down teeth, we recommend a custom-made mouthguard designed to fit your teeth comfortably and protect your smile.
When it comes to chronic jaw pain, you don’t have to settle. The discomfort that stems from temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD) can be debilitating, which is why we recommend splint therapy to keep your bite balanced. If you experience headaches, upper body pain or clicking and popping of the jaw, we may recommend dedicated therapy as well as daily exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.