How Preventive Dentistry Works

You’ve probably heard the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to your teeth and gums. Going to the dentist every six months for a checkup and dental cleaning might seem unnecessary when your teeth and gums are healthy, but skipping this crucial step increases your risk for everything from cavities to gum disease in the future.

At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, our prosthodontist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team offer restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dentistry services at our office in Beverly Hills. 

How preventive dentistry works

Think of preventive dentistry as a team effort between you and our dental team. Things like practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are half of the equation. Visiting our team for preventive care is the other half.

Both are important and if you’re only focusing on one part of the preventive dentistry equation, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to gum disease and other oral health problems in the future.

Doing your part by taking care of your teeth and gums by brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day is the first step in preserving your oral health. But your toothbrush and floss can only go so far — a dental exam and X-rays will pick up on problems that you can’t see with the naked eye, such as gum inflammation and pockets that collect bacteria and put you at risk for gum disease.

Some of the preventive dentistry services we offer include:

• Comprehensive dental exam and oral health check
• Oral cancer screening
• Bite analysis
• TMJ checkup
• Restorative and cosmetic consultation and recommendations

If you have a family history of gum disease, you may have a higher risk than normal. Dr. Mahallati will recommend the best preventive and restorative dentistry services for your circumstances.

Preventive dentistry catches oral health problems before it’s too late

Even if it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, it’s never too late to get proactive about your oral health. If you’ve noticed symptoms like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and can be reversed when treated early. 

As gum disease progresses, it causes irreversible damage to the underlying bone and tissue that supports your teeth and gums. The good news is that there are several restorative dentistry procedures available to fix your smile and improve your oral health. 

In addition to lowering your risk of oral health problems, preventive dentistry can save you from more expensive and invasive dental treatments in the future.

For more information about how preventive dentistry works and what you can do to protect yourself from tooth decay and gum disease, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.