Exams and cleanings are the fundamental preventive treatments. At each visit, your hygienist will gently buff your teeth to remove bacteria and scale away any hard tartar. She will do so very gently, to avoid affecting your sensitive, soft gum tissue. She will also polish your teeth to give them a healthy sparkle. After your teeth are clean, Dr. John Lee or Dr. Joshua Lee will perform your exam. Your dentist will look for white spots on your teeth that could indicate decay, as well as small cracks and chips. He will also check for gum inflammation or related concerns. In most cases, he will take x-rays at every other visit, which will reveal hidden signs of decay.

Preventive dentistry is especially important for kids, since childhood oral health can lead to lifelong wellness. We offer sealants and fluoride treatments for our pediatric patients. Sealants are a liquid coating that will go over permanent molars when they first come in. Once the material hardens, it will create a barrier, preventing an accumulation of food and bacteria in the grooves of your child’s teeth. In this way, sealants can combat cavities for many years. Fluoride also helps to eliminate the risk of decay. This mineral, found in many foods and in most municipal water, will help to strengthen developing dental enamel. Because most children do not receive enough fluoride, our rinses or varnishes can make the difference to ensure long-term oral health.