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Preventive dentistry is the primary focus of general dentists. As its namesake suggests, preventative dentistry is centered around the prevention of dental disease, conditions, and disorders that can affect the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding structures. While brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is a personal form of preventing dental issues, Dr. Tyson offers a more professional approach to the prevention of dental issues and offers the following preventative services:

Dental exams:

During your dental exam, Dr. Tyson will carefully and thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite for signs of decay, damage, or disease. He will also check the way your teeth line up when you bite and make sure your jaw is functioning properly. Finally, he will also screen the soft tissues and area surrounding your jaws for any possible signs of oral cancer.

Dr. Tyson will also ask you questions pertaining to your overall health to obtain more information about your medications, allergies, health habits, and health conditions that may affect your oral health. He may also ask about any current health issues and treatments, or about your past procedures, surgeries, or experience with anesthesia.


Dental X-rays:

Dental x-rays are a popular diagnostic tool used to identify cavities that can not be seen during a visual exam, as well as to identify possible issues with the underlying bone structure or jaw. During a dental x-ray, you will bite down on a plastic disc to position your bite correctly. They only take a few minutes and use very minimal radiation.


Teeth Cleaning:

During your teeth cleaning, the plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth with the use of a scaler and gritty toothpaste. Then your teeth will be professionally flossed to remove plaque in the hard to reach places. You will also receive a fluoride treatment and have a final fluoride varnish painted on the surface of your teeth.


Dental Sealants:

A protective coating applied to the back molars to protect against tooth decay. Dental sealants help to smooth out the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent debris from sticking in tiny crevices and breeding bacteria.


Mouthguards:

Used to protect your teeth when playing sports. Mouthguards can also used to protect your teeth from becoming damaged as a result of teeth grinding or clenching.


Fluoride:

Strengthens your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. There are two types of fluoride: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied to the surface of the teeth through toothpaste and fluoride treatments. System fluoride is ingested, usually through the drinking water. Both sources of fluoride strengthen tooth enamel by binding with calcium to create a stronger surface that is more resistant against bacteria.


Patient Education:

A large part of preventing dental issues is understanding how to properly care for your teeth and gums. At Tyson Dental, we provide you with the resources necessary to combat potential dental problems.


Did You Know?

Americans are less likely to visit the dentist as they grow older. A study completed by the Centers for Disease Control found that a mere 57% of Americans over the age of 65 visited their dentist. For adults under the age of 65, 61% visited their dentist, while 79 percent of children aged 2-17 visited their dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions


Preventative dentistry keeps your smile bright and healthy without the need for extensive dental procedures. Regular semi-annual appointments with Tyson Dental and a good daily oral health routine will also decrease your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which are the two leading causes of tooth loss. Once your teeth are lost, you will have to undergo costly dental procedures to restore your speaking and eating functions. Preventative dentistry aims to preserve both your smile and your wallet.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!