Preventative Dentistry in Anchorage, AK
Take Control of Your Oral Health in Time
Preventive Dentistry at Alaska Dental Arts Muldoon
It is commonly believed that regular flossing and brushing can keep cavities at bay, but this is not true. More than 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity at some point. Oral health problems can develop even with a healthy oral routine and require the eye of a trained professional to detect them before they cause significant damage.
Oral health is vital for all ages as dental problems are standard but can be prevented by taking the proper steps. Preventive dentistry can alert you to potential issues, allowing you to act early when they are most sensitive to treatment.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to maximize oral health and your beautiful smile. This branch of dentistry includes a variety of advanced preventive dental procedures that reduce your chance of developing health complications.
Prevention is fundamental to oral care, ensuring your smile is healthy, fresh, and strong through preventive measures such as teeth cleaning, oral exams, and dental x-rays to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health problems, significantly reducing the risk of extractions and more complex operations.
With preventive dentistry in Anchorage, AK, our dentists at Alaska Dental Arts Muldoon can help you avoid dental problems and review your good hygiene habits to ensure your smile stays tip-top.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is important because it can help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or fear overcome their negative feelings and receive necessary dental treatment. It can also make dental procedures more comfortable, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or gums or a low pain threshold. However, discussing the risks and benefits of sedation dentistry before undergoing treatment is essential.
Benefits and Risks of Sedation Dentistry
The main benefit of sedation dentistry is that it can help patients overcome their fear and anxiety of visiting the dentist. It can also make dental procedures more comfortable and less painful. Sedation dentistry can benefit patients with sensitive teeth or gums, a strong gag reflex, or a low pain threshold. However, there are some risks associated with sedation dentistry. These include allergic reactions to the medication, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular issues. It is essential to discuss the risks and benefits of sedation dentistry with your dentist before undergoing treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is generally safe for most patients but may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea or heart problems, may be at a higher risk of complications from sedation dentistry. Additionally, some medications can interact with sedation medication, so informing your dentist about any medications you are taking is crucial. Your dentist will evaluate your medical history and condition to determine if sedation dentistry suits you.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
At the age of 17, the average person has 28 teeth; 14 teeth at the top and 14 at the bottom. Those at the front of the mouth, called incisors, canines, and premolars, are ideal for grasping and biting food into small pieces. The back molars, called molars, are used to grind food. But from 18, the third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth," will begin to erupt.
In a normal mouth, there is only room for 28 teeth, which is why it is painful for four more teeth to try to fit into a mouth with room for 28. Wisdom teeth can present challenges because they can be challenging to keep clean, and because there may not be enough room for them in the mouth, they are very susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease.
What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Four wisdom teeth are located in the back corners of the mouth: two at the top and two at the bottom. This third set of molars usually erupts late, and when most of the adult teeth have erupted.
When the molars are correctly aligned, and the gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not need to be extracted. This extraction is necessary when they are prevented from erupting correctly into the mouth. It is a common and common surgery, especially during early adulthood. Most patients do not need these teeth, and many run health risks by allowing them to grow, so extracting them is usually both necessary and logical.
What Are The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?
Some of the many benefits associated with preventive dentistry that Dr. Broc Brimhall offers include:
Fewer cavities & reduced gum disease
Regular preventive care catches decay and gum disease early, reducing the likelihood of needing extensive restorative treatment down the road.
Stronger, whiter teeth
Professional cleanings and fluoride treatments keep your enamel strong and your smile bright — results that at-home care alone can't achieve.
Improved overall oral health
Preventive dentistry keeps your entire mouth healthy — teeth, gums, and surrounding structures — supporting your long-term wellness.
Save time and money
Catching problems early means simpler, less costly treatment. With preventive dentistry, you'll reap the benefits of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, which can do wonders for your self-esteem.
Common Preventive Procedures
Some types of preventative procedures include:
Dental Cleaning
A dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque or tartar with sterilized dental tools. The hygienist will polish each tooth and floss to remove debris from areas that at-home brushing cannot reach.
Night Guards for Tooth Grinding
Unconscious teeth grinding (bruxism) can't be directly cured, but we can protect you from its consequences. We create a comfortable mouth guard to slip over your teeth and keep them safe while you sleep.
Digital X-Rays
Using digital radiographs, our dentists locate any underlying problems or abnormalities. Our revolutionary cavity detection tools identify early signs of infection or decay — catching problems before they require extensive treatment.
Detecting Oral Cancer
While we look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, we also look for discolored spots, unusual lumps, and other problematic symptoms. We'll let you know if we detect a possible sign of cancer and help you get tested.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. We recommend fluoride products to patients that effectively remove plaque and support preventive care. Our board-certified dentists believe adding fluoride to your oral care routine can prevent tooth decay.
How Often Should I Participate in Preventive Dentistry?
The Best Preventative Dentistry Service In Anchorage, AK
We recommend participating in preventive dentistry appointments twice yearly or every six months to achieve the best oral health possible. We recommend more frequent meetings if you have gum disease or a history of tooth decay. Even if your teeth are healthy, it is crucial to take preventive dentistry seriously. Many oral health problems have no symptoms, so you may have a problem and not even realize it.
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for optimal dental health. At Alaska Dental Arts Muldoon, Dr. Broc Brimhall and his team understand the importance of having a healthy smile and oral lifestyle. That's why we invite you to schedule a checkup and cleaning every six months to ensure your teeth and gums are clean so you can take a proactive approach to avoid problems down the road.
Schedule an appointment today with our caring and compassionate dental team by calling (907) 865-8488 or visiting us here. We look forward to seeing you for your preventive checkup in Anchorage, AK!