Preventative Care

“Our primary aim is for every patient to get to the point of optimal dental health, and maintain with ongoing preventative care.  It saves time, effort, inconvenience, possible discomfort, and money!”  ---Jim Cox, D.D.S.

The same way you should have your oil changed in your car every three months or 3000 miles, you should have your teeth cleaned and have a have a visit with one of our hygienist every six months for preventative care. At least once a year the dentist needs to take a look around, do an X-ray and make sure there is no trouble brewing below the surface. 

“For the average person, I recommend that you have a visit with one of our hygienists every six months for preventative care.”  ---Jim Cox, D.D.S.

Our hygienist is your partner for the routine maintenance of your mouth. They can answer questions as well as give advice and instruction on oral hygiene care and products.  They perform the "cleaning" portion of your routine preventative visit.  Registered Dental Hygienists are specially trained to recognize and treat gum disease. 

With over 88% of the population experiencing some form of GUM DISEASE, the importance of these regular check-up visits cannot be overstated.  Gum disease starts out with no obvious symptoms or signs. The end result without intervention are loose teeth lacking support that fall out.  The hygienist will routinely check for "pockets" (where gum tissue is eroding away from the teeth), visible signs of cavities, and will check existing dental work to make sure it is in proper condition. 

The hygienist will also do an oral cancer screen.  Periodically, an x-ray will be done to check the insides of your teeth and the spaces between your teeth for cavities.  An x-ray can also show problems at the roots of teeth, as well as many other situations unable to be seen with only the exam.