Preventive Dentistry Fort Worth

The Benefits of Dental Exams & Cleanings

Most dental professionals recommend dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, Dr. Barr may recommend more frequent visits based on factors such as gum disease, the frequency of cavities, susceptibility to tooth and root decay, and health conditions that elevate the risk of dental disease.

Routine dental exams and cleanings offer numerous benefits, including the following:

• Prevention: Routine preventive care lowers the risk of gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
• Early Detection: Early detection and treatment help prevent minor oral health concerns from progressing and becoming more serious, requiring costly and invasive treatments down the road.
• Better Health: Poor oral health is closely associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health concerns.
• Brighter Smiles: During your visit, we will remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup and polish your teeth, leaving them cleaner, fresher, and brighter.

What Can You Expect During a Dental Exam?

We will start by taking digital X-rays to uncover hidden problems in your smile. Next, we will perform a comprehensive exam to evaluate every aspect of your oral health. We will check for cavities, tooth chips or fractures, and damaged dental work. We will also evaluate your gum health to determine the type of cleaning you need.

An important aspect of your dental exam is an oral cancer screening, which Dr. Barr thoroughly emphasizes. This is because her mother recently battled oral cancer and had to undergo extensive surgery despite having no risk factors, such as smoking. Dr. Barr’s personal connection and her passion for making a difference drive her to educate her patients about the importance of routine oral cancer screenings. The simple, non-invasive checkup can save lives!

Based on your exam, Dr. Barr will create a personalized treatment plan to address immediate needs and recommend preventive measures to maintain your healthy smile.

What Can You Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

If you have healthy gums, you will require a regular dental cleaning, which involves using an ultrasonic scaler to gently blast away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. We may also recommend a fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay. Keeping up with your twice-yearly dental cleanings has been shown to significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

If we see signs of gum disease, we may recommend a more involved deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This involves gently removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and below your gum line, and smoothing your tooth roots to promote healing. Dr. Barr will work with you to develop a periodontal maintenance plan to support your gum health.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are an essential component of every dental exam, as they can save your life. Dr. Barr’s attention to detail ensures that she evaluates all soft oral tissues and structures, including your neck, throat, etc. Using OralID, an advanced form of technology, she will scan your mouth to determine if any lesions exist that require further testing. By incorporating this into your regular dental exam, she can increase your chances of survival should there be any areas of concern.

Fluoride Treatment

Fighting cavities and strengthening tooth enamel is the reason Dr. Barr offers fluoride treatment – a natural mineral application that is beneficial for children and adults. When prone to dental decay, patients can face repeated tooth-colored fillings and/or dental crowns. However, by allowing our team to apply fluoride to the surfaces of teeth, it can remineralize affected areas while also preventing future decay development.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Do you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep? If so, you may have a condition known as bruxism. Patients often experience morning headaches, jaw pain, and a host of dental problems, including worn and sensitive teeth. Some people are not aware they suffer from bruxism until family members alert them or if tell-tale signs of tooth wear are identified during routine dental exams.

If you suspect you have bruxism, talk to one of our team members about getting a custom nightguard. Your oral appliance will absorb the grinding and clenching forces, preventing damage to your teeth. You will sleep better and wake up refreshed, without those miserable morning headaches or jaw or neck pain!

TMJ Treatment

TMJ treatment is designed to bring much-needed relief to tired, worn-down, and overworked jaw joints. Instead of waking up with frequent headaches and soreness throughout your face, mouth, and head, we can diagnose the problem in-house before recommending equilibration/occlusal adjustments or a customized occlusal splint. Both solutions address the root problem – bite misalignment and/or teeth grinding or jaw positioning – to deliver improved comfort for daily life.