Preventive Dentistry – Pensacola, FL
Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
It’s never a good idea to “wait” to see the dentist until you notice something is wrong. Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues often don’t have obvious symptoms until they are already at an advanced stage; it’s always best to have problems identified as early as possible so that they can be dealt with using the most conservative treatment options available. Call today to set up a gentle, comprehensive appointment for preventive dentistry in Pensacola, FL with Dr. Lisonbee and Dr. Henry at Patriot Dental
Why Choose Patriot Dental
for Preventive Dentistry?
- Making a Real Connection with Patients
- Philosophy of Conservative Dentistry
- Variety of Services in One Location
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Every six months, we can take a look at your teeth and gums to check for troublesome symptoms. We might take X-rays to ensure that we’re getting the full picture of your oral health. By making sure your smile is still in good shape, we can lower the risk of a severe health issue developing without you realizing it; we can also schedule follow-up treatments right away if there is a problem. We’ll also clean your teeth to get rid of plaque, tartar, and anything else that might have built up without you realizing it.
Oral Cancer Screenings
While cavities and gum disease might be your primary concern when you visit the dentist’s office, we’ll also be keeping an eye out for something much more potentially deadly: oral cancer. About 53,000 individuals are diagnosed with this condition every year, and even people with low-risk lifestyles can still end up suffering from it. During your next exam, we’ll check for unusual patches or lumps in your mouth and throat that might warrant a biopsy.
Fluoride Treatment
One of the most important things you can do for your smile is make sure that it’s exposed to fluoride on a regular basis. Fluoride combines with the calcium and phosphate in your enamel to create a substance called fluorapatite that helps prevent cavities. You will normally get fluoride from public drinking water, brushing your teeth, and eating certain foods. We can also apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth, allowing the enamel to absorb the mineral directly.
Dental Sealants
Among all the teeth, the molars are particularly prone to cavities thanks to the pits and fissures in their chewing surfaces. The bacteria and food particles that contribute to tooth decay can easily hide in these small spaces, and they can be tricky to remove if you have a hard time reaching the back of your mouth with your toothbrush. We can give you a little help in keeping your molars safe by placing a thin layer of plastic called a sealant over them to keep bacteria out.
Periodontal Therapy
If you have periodontal disease, you might notice swelling and bleeding gums – but you also might not. The condition often develops silently at first, and consequently you may not realize that you have it until it’s already a serious oral health problem. We can check for signs of early gum disease during your checkups, and if necessary, we can schedule periodontal appointments to remove the harmful bacteria in your mouth before the damage spreads any further.
Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards
Even if you aren’t required to wear a mouthguard for your favorite sport, you should invest in one anyway. In virtually any sort of physical activity, there’s a risk of getting hit in the mouth and having some teeth broken or knocked out as a result. Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all mouthguards from your store; ask us about custom-fitted oral appliances that are created using a mold of your teeth. A customized mouthguard fits more comfortably, offers enhanced protection, and is of better quality overall.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Did you realize that you could end up damaging your teeth without meaning to even while you’re asleep? Stress can cause the jaws to clench and the teeth to grind together; this phenomenon is called bruxism, and we may realize that you have it if we find that your teeth are more worn down than they should be at your age. A nightguard can be used to stop further damage to your teeth, and it can also be used to relieve some of the discomfort that’s often associated with bruxism.
At-Home Dental Hygiene Products
Before you visit us, take note of the type of toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash that you use as well as any other notable oral hygiene products. If you bring this information up during your examination, we can discuss other oral hygiene products that might do a better job of cleaning and strengthening your teeth. Our dental office uses Crest toothpaste, but we may also recommend Sensodyne for patients who are currently dealing with sensitive teeth.
Children’s Dentistry
Children need checkups and cleanings every six months just like adults. If you would like to arrange an appointment for your child, please call our dental office to let us know. Note that there are certain oral development issues that are best handled by a specialist. We work with a number of pediatric dentists in the area, and we’ll be happy to give you a referral so that your child can get the care that they need.