Preventative Dentistry

At Hatch Family Dentistry, we encourage all of our patients to be proactive in preventing dental problems. We believe that no amount of dental restorations can replace truly healthy and natural teeth. That is why we have a complete line-up of preventative procedures to help everyone maintain their dental health.

Why is Prevention Necessary?

The saying “prevention is better than cure” may seem cliché, but it really is at the center of dental practice. Preventing dental problems can provide the following benefits:

Less dental expenses. Preventative dental visits are very affordable compared to the procedures needed to treat dental disease. If you have dental insurance your preventative visits are typically free, costing you nothing out of pocket. Putting off your cleanings or periodontal treatments for three years often costs significantly more than the price of three years of regular dental check-ups.
Preservation of natural teeth. It’s a common fact that poor oral health is the major cause of tooth loss, and without natural teeth, you will lose the confidence to smile. This lack of confidence can have a profound effect on many areas of your life.
Early diagnosis of impending problems. When one of our dentists checks your oral condition frequently, they will be able to monitor any unusual changes and possible signs of problems. Preventative dentistry can help you avoid tooth loss by keeping teeth clean all along, or addressing smaller problem before they turn into larger ones.
Less invasive dental treatments. Serious dental issues often call for more invasive treatments like surgery. If your dental problem is diagnosed at an early stage, surgery may not be necessary and you can avoid the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure.

How Can I Get Preventative Dentistry?

Preventative dentistry is a combination of professional care and personal dental hygiene. Every patient must work with a dental professional to achieve and maintain healthy and long-lasting teeth. The dentist’s part is to provide treatment when necessary, and keep the patient’s teeth clean and therefore more likely to remain free from disease. The patient, on the other hand, must follow the dentist’s instructions and regularly observe proper hygiene to maintain oral health in between checkups.

Preventative Dental Treatments in Tempe

The preventative solutions that Hatch Family Dentistry offers are:

Dental Prophylaxis

Also called a dental cleaning, prophylaxis is the process of professional cleaning a person’s teeth who does not have gum disease, helping to prevent oral disease. Professional cleaning removes plaque and bacteria in a way that cannot be achieved by ordinary brushing and flossing. Dentists and hygienists use specialized tools and equipment to clean the teeth and gums and protect them against infection. This is why it is highly recommended to get a dental prophylaxis at every six months.

Fluoridation

In-office fluoride treatments are often performed on young patients, but adults can also receive fluoride upon request. Those who should consider adult fluoride treatments include people who:

Don’t have access to fluoridated water supply;
Have a history of poor oral health;
Have a family history of progressive tooth decay;
Are more susceptible to dental problems due to dry mouth or other factors; and/or,
Have a medical condition that increases their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride application is quick and simple. The dentist may simply coat your teeth with fluoride, or for better results, ask you to wear a flexible dental tray that has been smeared with fluoride. It only lasts for a few minutes, but you will not be able to eat or drink anything for the next few hours.

Sealants

Sealants are another solution frequently utilized for preventing cavities in children’s teeth. These are effective in preventing tooth decay because they cover the deep grooves of the teeth. Sealants may also be done on adults who have weak tooth enamel or a history of pervasive tooth decay.

The sealant is a thermoplastic compound which comes in liquid form. It is painted onto the grooves of the teeth and cured with a special light. Once it hardens, the sealant material becomes permanent and prevents the entry of food or bacteria into the occlusal or biting surface. The lifespan of a dental sealant varies. In some cases they may last for decades but they also may only last for a number of months in certain circumstances where they are chewed off.

Patient Education

One of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems is patient education. Since patients only visit the dentist twice a year, the rest of the year’s worth of dental care depends on the patient’s compliance with effective personal hygiene habits.

However, some patients are unaware of the negative effects of poor hygiene to their oral and overall health. Dental professionals are the best teachers of dental care and can provide tips and instructions that patients would never have known on their own.

At Hatch Family Dentistry, we teach both young and old patients how to properly floss and brush teeth, which toothpaste is best for their particular situation, and how to better incorporate other oral hygiene practices into their routine. All patients have to do is follow these lessons and visit our dental office twice a year for best results.

Visit Hatch Family Dentistry for the Best Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dentistry is suitable for all patients, not just those who have a history of dental problems. If you would like to keep your teeth and gums healthy and infection-free, please pay us a visit at 7350 S McClintock Dr, #103 Tempe, AZ 85283.

For appointment scheduling, please call our office at (480) 838-3073. Our team will assist you in setting a dental consultation and receiving preventative dental care from the best dentists in Tempe.

‍