Preventative Dentistry

Professional Hygienic Cleanings & Dental Exam

The core of preventive dentistry is your routine dental visits, where our dental hygienist cleans your teeth, removes plaque and tartar, and restores the foundations of good oral health. We also check your jaw’s health and ensure no infections are affecting your bone and soft tissues.

We recommend scheduling a dental checkup at least once every six months, although it may depend on your diet, your habits, and your genetics. It’s not uncommon for patients to visit us three or four times a year if they experience frequent plaque buildup.

Oral Cancer Screening

Almost 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. The five-year survival rate is only 57%. Why? Late diagnoses. Even if you do not share the habits that increase the risk of oral cancer, screening for it is vital. It’s paramount that we discover the symptoms early and treat them before they develop into cancer – when they are easiest to remove and treat.

Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Oral Cancer

• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Previous history of oral cancer
• Significant sun exposure

There’s little reason not to screen for oral cancer. We can perform it during your routine dental checkups as part of your cleaning and exam.

Reviewing Previous Dental Work

Sometimes previous dental work may not be up to standard. Perhaps a metal amalgam was used to fill a cavity, or maybe a crown was improperly made and has cracked. We can replace them with superior alternatives that are better for your health and your smile’s aesthetics.

If you’re unhappy with previous work from another dentist, schedule an appointment with our Jupiter staff. We will be happy to review it and offer recommendations.

Fluoride Treatments & Sealants

Tooth decay and gum disease can be stopped early but can cause terrible damage to your smile if left to spread. Routine checkups and good oral hygiene are good layers of defense against these types of infections. Still, there are additional steps you can take to protect your oral health, especially if you have a high risk of forming caries or attracting gum disease.

A professional fluoride treatment takes just a few minutes and consists of applying a solution – typically a gel, foam, or varnish – with a cotton swab or brush. This can be performed during your checkup, and the only downside is not eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after your appointment. The upside is repairing any microscopic damage before it worsens and requires restorative work.

Dental sealants also help protect against gum disease and cavities. They’re most effective on younger children whose teeth are still growing and developing. Sealants protect the deep grooves or pitted areas more likely to trap food particles and develop an infection. The treatment is quick and straightforward, and it can last up to several years.