Preventative Dentistry in Plano, TXIt may sound like preventative dentistry is all about visiting the dentist, but preventative dentistry is all about the partnership between a dentist and you. The dentist will make sure to clean and check your teeth and warn you about any potential problems you may have in the future. You have to hold up your end of the bargain as well. You need to brush and floss daily and minimize your sugar intake. Be sure and eat healthy to help maintain your good oral health. If you and the dentist work together as a team, you can expect your teeth to remain disease-free for decades. Why is Preventative Dentistry So Important?Like other systems in your body, if you don’t take care of your teeth, you are headed for trouble. The first problem you will have if you don’t practice preventative dentistry is tooth decay. If you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly, the bacteria in your mouth can begin to bore holes in your teeth. Over time, these holes can develop into cavities. If you don’t treat the cavities right away, they can grow large enough that your tooth gets infected. You may even lose the tooth. That same bacteria that can infect your teeth, can infect your gums as well. Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can infect your gums and lead to tooth loss. If you lose enough teeth, you will begin to notice your jaw changes shape as well due to bone loss. Not only can that bacteria infect your teeth and gums, but it can travel throughout your body. It can cause infections in your heart and heart valves. The bacteria can cause huge fluctuations in your blood sugar if you are diabetic, which means you will have a difficult time controlling your diabetes. The bacteria can make other conditions, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, worse. If you visit your dentist regularly, you are also getting screened for oral cancer. This is especially important if you are a smoker, or if you smoked in the past. Even if you smoked decades ago, you need to have a cancer screening. The dentist can perform an exam to check for cancer, and can test areas of your mouth that may be suspect. If the dental practitioner finds cancer, the earlier they find cancer, the easier it is to treat. ExamsAt McDonald & Luck DDS, we want you to understand the importance of dental exams. As a non-invasive procedure, it is one of the most important things you can do for your dental health. We recommend that you come to see us every six months for a full exam and cleaning to stay on top of your oral health. Oral Cancer ScreeningsAn oral cancer screening is the best way to catch oral cancer in its earliest stages. At McDonald & Luck DDS, we offer effective screenings on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary, to help you catch oral cancer as early as possible. Dental SealantsA dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that prevents cavities and tooth decay. Sealants are usually applied to the occlusal (bite) surface of the molars and premolars. These teeth possess deep grooves and fissures that are much harder to clean, especially for children and teenagers. Sometimes the grooves are so thin that the bristles of a toothbrush are rendered essentially ineffective. A sealant will provide a more even brushing surface and seal off the enamel from harmful bacteria. Preventing tooth decay will ensure your child’s smile remains beautiful for years to come! Periodontal CareYour periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone. The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state. Periodontal MaintenanceIf you ever had gum disease before, you need proper periodontal maintenance to prevent it from coming back again. At McDonald & Luck DDS, our dentists offer effective plans to help our patients keep gum disease away. Laser DentistryDental technology has come a long way in recent years. In fact, at McDonald & Luck DDS, we use today’s technology to help our patients have the least invasive procedures possible. We do this by offering laser dentistry. This method of dentistry offers quicker healing and less time in the dental chair. TMJ/TMD TreatmentsThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ. Sports Mouth GuardsMany parents worry about protecting their child’s body with appropriate gear, but forget about the dangers of the damage to the teeth. At McDonald & Luck DDS, we help our patients get the proper sports mouth guard to ensure a safe and healthy mouth. Nighttime Mouth GuardsIf you participate in physical activities that put you at risk for dental trauma or injury, we strongly recommend a mouth guard. A mouth guard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may also recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear. Sleep ApneaIf you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may benefit from an oral appliance. An oral appliance will keep your jaw in the proper position during sleep. This opens your airway and improves your breathing during sleep. With an oral appliance, you may find yourself feeling more well-rested, alert and happy, thanks to a full night's sleep. Oral Appliance TherapyAt McDonald & Luck DDS we understand your frustration and are here to help you. We offer a great alternative to the CPAP machine called oral appliance therapy. The simple ‘mouthguard’ type appliance helps position your mouth so that you can breathe properly and avoid the risks of sleep apnea. Schedule an AppointmentPreventative dentistry is vital for your good health, and it is never too early to start a preventative dentistry program. If you practice good oral care habits, and you find a dentist to partner with, you can have good oral health throughout your life. Need a good partner for your oral care? Our team at McDonald & Luck DDS can help. Contact us today by calling us at (469) 649-0699 or book an appointment with us online today! |
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Each time I am in for a visit, I am impressed by the genuine kindness, professionalism, and warmth from the staff. Having staff engaged with the patients makes a huge difference in your experience and I'll be a customer for life because of their approaching! |
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