Preventative Dentistry in Richmond, VA

We can catch any issue before it becomes a problem.

Teeth Cleaning

Semi-annual professional cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Our skilled dental hygienists use special tools to remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth, ensuring a clean and fresh start. Once your teeth are tartar-free, we gently polish them to remove surface stains, leaving you with a brighter, more radiant smile. During this process, we also keep an eye out for any signs of gingivitis, providing you with valuable hygiene tips to enhance your smile health.

Fluoride

Fluoride, often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, is a natural mineral that plays a crucial role in strengthening tooth enamel. To ensure you receive a sufficient amount of fluoride daily, we recommend using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water. In addition to these practices, our professional fluoride treatments offer an effective way to fight against tooth decay, strengthen enamel, and promote the development of healthy teeth, particularly in children.

Oral Cancer Screening

Early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly improves the prognosis. During every hygiene visit, we conduct a thorough examination of all oral tissues, including gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw. This comprehensive screening allows us to identify any unusual changes in your mouth tissue promptly. For those at higher risk, such as tobacco users, our vigilant approach may include suggesting a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.

You Might Be Asking Yourself:

How often should teeth cleaning be done?

General guidelines state that patients should make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning every six months.

What happens if your teeth never get cleaned?

Left unchecked, tartar can cause tooth decay, cavities, erosion of gum tissue, gum disease, and other problems.

What does fluoride do to your body?

Left unchecked, tartar can cause tooth decay, cavities, erosion of gum tissue, gum disease, and other problems.

What does fluoride do to your body?

Fluoride is most recognized for its role in preventing and reversing dental caries and building strong teeth and bones.

Is fluoride mouth healthy?

Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for a good reason. This naturally occurring mineral helps prevent tooth decay by making the surface of the teeth (known as tooth enamel) stronger and more resistant to cavities.

Is tooth extraction really necessary?

When a tooth becomes infected, damaged, or decayed beyond repair. If a tooth cannot be repaired with a crown or dental filling because of trauma caused by an accident or extensive decay, tooth extraction may be your only option.

What are the screening tests for oral cancer?

Special tests may involve: Oral cancer screening dye. Rinsing your mouth with a special blue dye before an exam. Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye and appear blue.

When should you suspect oral cancer?

If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a dentist or a doctor. A sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat. A white or red patch in your mouth. Persistent sore throat, a feeling that something is caught in your throat, or hoarseness or loss of your voice.