Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of maintaining good oral health for life. With ongoing prevention and good oral hygiene, it’s possible to prevent most dental problems from developing. At Irvine Spectrum Dental, our experienced dentist, Dr. Anthony Yu, and his team are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral wellness through a comprehensive preventive dentistry program.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to maintaining healthy teeth for life. During your checkup, Dr. Yu will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. During your cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gums, helping to prevent the development of cavities and gum disease in the future. If any treatments are needed, your routine exams allow us to intercept them earlier, while treatment options are more conservative.
Digital X-rays are an important part of your dental checkup. They allow Dr. Yu to see inside your mouth and detect any issues that may not be visible during a visual exam. Such as cysts, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone loss. Digital X-rays are faster and offer better resolution than traditional X-rays, quickly producing images that are clearer and easier to interpret. We’ll share the images with you during your exam so that you can help co-plan any necessary treatments.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common and serious oral health issue that often results in tooth loss. During your dental checkup, Dr. Yu will screen for periodontal infections, including tissue detachment and bone loss. Appropriate treatment may include deep cleanings, antibiotics, or other soft tissue therapies to help maintain the health of your gums and prevent tooth loss.
During your dental checkup, Dr. Yu will also perform an oral cancer screening. Early detection is key to successful treatment for oral cancer, so this screening is an important part of your preventive dentistry program. Risk factors for oral cancer can include things like sun exposure, certain viruses (such as HPV,) and tobacco use. However, healthy individuals are also at risk, so screenings are extremely important for all ages.
At Irvine Spectrum Dental, we believe that preventive dentistry is the key to maintaining good oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning.