Preventative Dentistry

At Gray Duck Dentistry, we offer preventative dental care in Fulton, MO, because we know that it’s the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile. At our dentist office, preventative dentistry focuses on maintaining good oral health through regular check-ups, cleanings and patient education. By addressing potential issues early, we hope to help our valued patients to skip what may amount to more complex and costly treatments down the road. Learn more about our preventative dentistry services.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

The easiest way to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums is to make it a point to see your Fulton, MO dentist on a routine basis. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, the same as your general physician exams are necessary. Just as a car needs routine maintenance to run smoothly, your teeth and gums require regular attention to stay healthy. During a check-up, we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, mouth and throat, looking for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. Not only that, but we listen to any concerns you may have, carefully assessing any potential problems that may be showing symptoms at home.

During your regular dental exam, our team will clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to cavities and gum disease if not properly managed, in addition to performing other dental check-up treatments that may be needed. Remember, regular check-ups allow us to catch problems early and provide the necessary treatments to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is a key component of preventative dentistry. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can easily build up in hard-to-reach areas. Our skilled hygienists use specialized tools to clean these areas, removing harmful bacteria and preventing periodontal disease.

Regular professional cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, contributing to long-term oral health. During the cleaning, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains, leaving your smile looking fresh and vibrant. Your teeth will also feel amazing on your tongue, reinforcing the positive effects of preventative dentistry!

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a highly effective way to protect your teeth from decay, and they aren’t just for children who haven’t yet had any cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. Like an invisible shield, they prevent food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves of your teeth.

The application process is quick and painless. The teeth are cleaned and dried before the sealant is painted on and hardened with a special light. Sealants can last for several years and provide an added layer of protection against cavities, especially for children and teenagers, or anyone at heightened risk of cavities and other forms of oral decay.

Fluoride Treatments

Regular fluoride treatments help reinforce the enamel, making your teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Unfortunately, with so many people drinking bottled water these days, more and more people aren’t getting sufficient amounts of fluoride in their water at home. To help mitigate this, at Gray Duck Dentistry, we offer professional fluoride treatments as part of our preventative care regimen. Fluoride treatments are quick and painless, typically involving the application of a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to the teeth.

These treatments are particularly beneficial for children, as their developing teeth are more susceptible to decay. However, adults can also benefit from fluoride treatments, especially if they are at higher risk for cavities.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Early detection is crucial in the fight against oral cancer. The sooner the signs of oral cancer are detected, the sooner treatment can begin, and the better the outcome that can be expected. As a service to our patients, we can perform a thorough oral cancer screening to identify any abnormal tissues or lesions. The screening involves a visual examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, as well as palpation of the neck and jaw for any unusual lumps or swelling.

If any suspicious areas are found, further testing or a referral to a specialist may be recommended. Regular oral cancer screenings help detect the disease early, when it is most treatable, and can significantly improve outcomes.

Periodontal Maintenance

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Periodontal maintenance involves regular cleanings and treatments to prevent and manage gum disease. For patients with a history of gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to keep the condition under control.

Our periodontal services include scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, as well as ongoing monitoring to catch any signs of disease early. With regular periodontal maintenance, we can help you to preserve your gum health and possibly prevent tooth loss.

Preventative care is the key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact your Fulton, MO dentist today to schedule your appointment and learn more about our preventative dentistry services. Together, we can create a personalized care plan to keep your smile in top condition.