PREVENTIVE

Did you know that about 25% of children in the US aged between 2-5 years of age have teeth cavities? You will also be surprised to know that about one out of every four senior US citizens has lost all their teeth. This situation is preventable, thanks to preventive dentistry. At Molina Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive preventive dental care to our patients, so that they can enjoy a perfect dental and overall physical health.

Preventive dentistry involves the procedures aimed at preventing dental problems and minimizing the need for expensive and time-consuming dental treatments. Here are some of the preventive services that we offer at Molina Family Dentistry:

Comprehensive Dental Examinations

Besides brushing and flossing your teeth every day, regular dental checkups are necessary to prevent all types of dental problems. At Molina Family Dentistry, we recommend that you visit our office at least twice a year for a checkup and preventive dental cleaning or periodontal maintenance. During a routine dental examination, Dr. Molina will perform a detailed inspection of your teeth and gums and record any underlying problems that require dental treatment.

Dental X-rays

During a routine appointment, we may also take x-rays of your teeth to detect any developing condition. Dental X-rays provide a clearer image of your teeth and gums to the dentist, helping in the early detection and prevention of teeth cavities and dental infections.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Despite your best efforts to maintain good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, plaque deposits invariably form on your teeth. That is why it is necessary to get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. At Molina Family Dentistry, we offer two types of teeth cleaning procedures:

Dental Prophylaxis – involving the use of hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Teeth cleanings are highly useful in treating or arresting the progression of gum and periodontal problems. In the case of severe gum infection, Dr. Molina may prescribe antibiotics to accelerate the healing process.
Scaling and Root Planning – if regular oral hygiene and dental visits do not take place for a prolonged time, tartar deposits on the teeth traveling down into the deeper structures of the tooth. Due to this, “pockets” tend to develop between the gums and the teeth. Scaling and root planning involves the use of ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar deposits from the root surfaces as well as the gum pockets. Afterward, the surface of the roots is smoothed to prevent re-attachment of bacteria and to minimize chances of re-infection. Usually, this procedure is performed under anesthesia.

Fluoride Treatment

Application of fluoride on teeth has been shown to prevent cavities and teeth sensitivity, by re-mineralizing the outer enamel layer of the teeth. Another aspect of preventive dental care at Molina Family Dentistry is the use of fluoride supplements to prevent cavities and to make your teeth stronger. Fluoride supplements can be applied in the form of topical fluids, varnishes, or gels. Dr. Molina may also prescribe fluoride containing food supplements or tablets to accelerate the re-mineralization process. Fluoride treatment is equally effective for children and adults.

Patient Education

Perhaps, the most important facet of preventive dental care is patient counseling and education. During your routine dental checkup, Dr. Molina will educate her patients regarding the correct method of brushing and floss their teeth, and advise them about healthy eating practices and teeth friendly foods.

Oral Cancer Screening

The best weapon against oral cancer is prevention. That is why we perform oral cancer screening of our patients at each appointment for a dental check. A detailed examination of your mouth, head, and the neck to look for any signs that may indicate towards malignancy. If a suspicious swelling is detected, Dr. Molina will perform further diagnostic tests to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. You cannot expect to enjoy a perfect physical health unless you have an excellent oral health. At Molina Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of dental health in enjoying an active and healthy lifestyle. That is why we focus on providing high quality preventive dental care services to our patients. So, what are you waiting? Book an appointment with Dr. Molina today, and let us make sure that you will never have to worry about your dental health, ever again!