Amarillo Dental Associates provides comprehensive preventive dental care for all ages. Regular, preventive dental care ensures young patients lay an excellent foundation for lifelong oral health, and adult patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles for life. To book a preventive exam and cleaning, call 806-355-7463 or send us a message.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the foundation of dental care. Also called family dentistry, or general dentistry, preventive care focuses on preventing oral health problems including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Preventive dental care includes as-needed digital imaging, biannual plaque removal, biannual exams and screenings, and non-invasive treatments for children that strengthen and protect teeth.
Importantly, preventive dental care includes invaluable education. Our dental experts provide tips, advice, and suggestions at every appointment for keeping your teeth and gums in excellent health.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Regular preventive dental care provides essential oral health benefits including:
- Cavity prevention
- Gum disease prevention
- Early detection of any changes in tissue
- Early detection of potential problems (small palate, impacted teeth, fractures)
- Strengthening weak teeth
- Preventing bad breath
- Preventing excess strain on the teeth and jaw joint
- Maintaining a beautiful smile
Preventive Dental Procedures at Amarillo Dental Associates
Amarillo Dental Associates provides comprehensive preventive dental care for patients of all ages. From your child’s very first appointment to your grandmother’s regular check-up and cleaning, we provide top-to-bottom preventive care.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
Comprehensive oral exams include a visual inspection of the teeth, gums, and soft tissues. It also includes an evaluation of your bite. During an oral exam, our dentists will be looking for any potential problems including inflammation, infection, fractures, cracks, chips, decay, misalignments, or tissue changes.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments help to fortify children’s teeth to prevent decay, chips, cracks, and early tooth loss due to damage. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are a must for protecting the teeth of athletes of all ages. Manufactured to fit your unique bite and smile, custom mouthguards are an affordable way to safeguard your smile when engaging in sports.
Custom Night Guards
Custom night guards are excellent preventive treatments. They prevent excess wear and pressure on the teeth and the jaw joint.
Scaling and Root Planing
Why Choose Amarillo Dental Associates?
At Amarillo Dental Associates, our privately-owned, family dental center has served the residents of Amarillo and surrounding communities since 1975. Our dentists, Dr.Ryan Street and Dr. Ryan Hyde grew up in Amarillo, and after receiving extensive education and training returned to Amarillo to carry on the lasting legacy of excellence in dental care.
As a privately owned dental practice, Amarillo Dental Associates provides complete dental care under one roof. From your child’s very first tooth, we provide lifelong, comprehensive dental care including periodontics, prosthodontics, cosmetic treatments, and more in our state-of-the-art dental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry
Schedule a Dental Check-Up and Cleaning in Amarillo
If it’s been six months or longer since you or your family members have had a dental check-up and cleaning, call Amarillo Dental Associates at 806-355-7463 or send us a message to request your appointment.