Healthy Smiles for Life Start with Preventive Dental Services
Want to take control of your smile with preventive dentistry? Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Amy Farmer, an experienced preventive dentist. We can’t wait to meet you and your family.
Our preventive dental care services
We all aspire to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Preventive dental care is essential for preserving your desired smile. While we prioritize at-home dental care, our office offers a range of procedures to complement your oral hygiene routine.
Some include:
- Regular exams: Routine dental check-ups prevent and treat oral issues before they worsen. During dental exams, the dentist inspects your teeth, gums, and other oral structures for signs of decay and infections. We carefully observe even the smallest changes in your smile to devise corrective care before the issue progresses and becomes painful and costly to treat.
- Digital X-rays: Visual and physical exams can tell much about your oral health, but they can only do so much. We use dental X-rays to inspect the deeper structures of your teeth, gums, bone, etc. Digital radiographs help unearth dental issues like bone loss, cysts, impacted teeth, and interproximal cavities that can be missed in a standard exam.
- Dental cleanings: Even though you brush and floss your teeth diligently, reaching every corner of the mouth is impossible. Professional cleanings every six months remove built-in plaque and dental calculus to prevent decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral problems.
- Oral cancer screenings: About 54,000 Americans die annually because of mouth cancer! Although oral cancer is a life-threatening condition, it’s highly treatable when detected early. During your regular dental exam, we screen your mouth for cancer to identify precancerous and cancerous signs for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Oral health education: We offer personalized education on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary habits, and other techniques to promote good oral health. Dental care education empowers you with the knowledge to maintain your smile between dental visits.
The Financial Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups
Preventive dental care isn’t just good for your oral health—it’s a wise financial decision. Preventing or treating oral problems when they are still minor is less costly than waiting until they become significant headaches, requiring extensive and expensive treatments. For instance, the average dental exam cost is $90, while the cost of a root canal can go as high as $1,200!
Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostic & Preventive Dental Services
Are dental cleanings painful?
No. Our dental hygienist uses gentle techniques to ensure a comfortable dental experience. You will feel mild pressure or vibration, but not pain. However, you may experience discomfort if you have gum disease, sensitive teeth, or significant tartar buildup. If you feel significant discomfort, let your hygienist know. They’ll adjust their approach to keep you comfortable throughout.
Do everyone need oral cancer screenings?
Yes! Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate—it can affect everyone, including those with no known risks. While no one is safe, certain demographics, conditions, or habits increase the risk.
High-risk groups include:
- Tobacco users
- People exposed to certain strains of HPV
- Heavy alcohol consumers
- Prolonged sun exposure, especially to the lips
- People with a family history of cancer
- Individuals aged over 40
Even if you don’t fall in any of the above categories, you should consider routine oral cancer screenings as part of your preventive plan. Your dentist will review your risk profile and advise on the frequency of your screenings.
Do children require preventive dentistry?
Yes! Everyone needs preventive dental care, including children. Early check-ups, cleanings, and sealants set the stage for healthy adult teeth. Pediatric dentistry also shapes your child’s attitude about dental care.
How often should I visit my Longmont dentist?
Twice a year is sufficient for many individuals. However, guests with a history of cavities or gum disease may need more frequent visits. Your dentist will recommend the right schedule for you after understanding your unique needs. We emphasize routine dental visits because they help detect dental issues before they progress into painful, costly problems.
Why do I need dental X-rays?
Better tools yield better diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Dental X-rays allow us to see beyond what the naked eye can see. They help us detect decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other hidden issues. Dental X-rays help with precise diagnosis and planning treatments such as extractions, fillings, crowns, and bridges.
Is preventive dentistry worth it?
Absolutely. Preventive care catches small issues before they become big, costly ones. Here is a closer look at the benefits of preventive dentistry:
- Prevention: Dental cleanings and check-ups prevent the onset, progression, or recurrence of dental issues.
- Save money: Prevention prevents the need for costly repairs. In contrast, skipping preventive care leads to more costly treatments later.
- Maximum comfort: Preventing dental issues saves you from unnecessary discomfort.
- Protect your overall health: Good dental care reduces the risk of systemic conditions linked to poor oral health problems like gum disease.
Preventive dentistry is one of the smartest, most affordable investments you can make in your health.
Does insurance cover preventive dentistry?
Most likely. Most plans cover preventive care services, including dental cleanings, exams, and X-rays. However, it’s important to note that every coverage is unique. We’ll help review your coverage and outline applicable benefits before your treatment.
Don’t have insurance? Sometimes you don’t need it. We proudly accept financing with CareCredit, allowing you to break down costs into affordable installments.
Where can I learn more about preventive dentistry in Longmont, CO?
Preventive dental care is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy, confident smile. Our Longmont team is happy to walk you through your preventive care options. If you are due or overdue for your dental appointment, contact Crossroads Dental at (970) 703-8556. Let’s protect your smile with proactive care!
Preventive dentistry near me
Crossroads Dental provides comprehensive preventive dental care to guests of all ages in Longmont, CO. With routine check-ups, cleanings, etc., we prioritize early intervention to preserve issue-free smiles and prevent oral problems. Call (970) 703-8556 to schedule your oral wellness visit with Dr. Farmer and the team.
