General Dentistry Fleming Island
Doctors Lake Family Dental provides preventive dental care in Fleming Island, FL. Call 904-264-6700 to learn more and schedule your reservation.
Preventive dental care is the heart of our practice. We know that your oral health and your overall wellness are closely connected, so coming in every six months for dental exams and cleanings and keeping up with your oral hygiene at home are important steps to take to protect your health.
Dental Exam
Every six months, you should make a reservation for a comprehensive dental exam with your dentist and hygienist. These biannual exams include:
- Digital x-rays, which reduce the amount of radiation exposure by 80 to 90% and allow us to diagnose potential issues that can’t be seen upon visual exam
- VELscope oral cancer screening, an advanced technology that uses a specialized light to detect tissue abnormalities in the neck, lips, tongue, throat, check, and gums
- Periodontal evaluation to check for signs of gum disease
- Thorough examination of each tooth to ensure that any restorations are stable and to check for tooth decay
- Oral hygiene instructions
Professional Dental Cleaning (Dental Prophylaxis)
Professional dental cleanings typically occur during the same reservation as your dental exam. During a dental cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar, both of which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. We use an ultrasonic tool to accomplish this, which makes the dental cleaning process more effective and comfortable for our patients. To remove stains and create a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for new plaque deposits to form, your teeth are polished once your cleaning is complete.
Custom Oral Appliances
In addition to offering custom mouth guards for use during athletic activities, our office offers custom appliances that can help protect your teeth from trauma caused by grinding or clenching your teeth. These appliances not only ensure the protection of your teeth, but also safeguard the muscles that help you chew and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans yearly. We use the latest technology to detect changes in oral tissue consistencies and/or lesions. VELscope® Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System utilizes a blue-spectrum light that makes it easier to detect unhealthy tissue.
Learn More about VELscope® Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
Extractions
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care
What is the goal of preventive dentistry?
The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong for as long as possible.
What is the most effective way to prevent cavities?
Dental exams and cleanings every six months, along with good oral hygiene practices at home, are both essential when it comes to preventing cavities. One is not effective without the other—they’re both equally important!
What is the proper way to brush your teeth?
Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for a full two minutes—it can help to time yourself because most people think they’re brushing for two minutes, but few actually do! Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush in a gentle, circular motion, being sure to clean the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Brush your tongue, rinse if you’d like, and don’t forget to floss at least once a day!
When should you brush your teeth?
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once at night before bedtime, after you’re done eating for the day.
How often should you have your teeth cleaned by a dentist?
You should have your teeth cleaned every six months, unless more frequent dental cleanings are recommended. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, so the only way to take care of it is with professional dental cleanings.