What is ProActive Dentistry?
Our family dentist office in Columbia, MD near you promotes ProActive dentistry, which involves taking additional steps beyond your basic oral health care to help avoid common problems and diseases.
ProActive dentistry is the philosophy that a combination of good oral hygiene practices and routine preventative dental health exams can effectively protect and maintain your dental health. Routine preventive care is the foundation of our general dentistry practice allowing for early diagnosis and intervention should a dental health concern arise.
As a top dentists near you in Columbia, MD, Howard County Smiles offers the range of preventive dental care necessary to treat patients of all ages. Proactive, comprehensive dentistry describes all the procedures used to arrest tooth decay and other diseases in the earliest stages. By identifying and treating the exact cause of a dental problem, we can offer treatment that is designed to prevent a recurrence in the future.
These proactive measures will lower your risk of getting gum disease, tooth decay, and more. Lowering your risk levels of such diseases and dental concerns will be one less thing for you to worry about! The goal is to keep you as healthy as possible and maintain your natural teeth for life.
ProActive Dentistry in Columbia, MD
“Being proactive means that we are going to look for exactly what caused the condition to occur for a patient, instead of just trying to react to what actually did happen.” Dr. Ray Becker
ProActive Dental Services
We offer these services to keep your teeth and gums healthy and intact:
Dental Cleanings
Teeth cleanings are the most essential thing you can do to prevent oral health issues outside of brushing and flossing appropriately every day. This treatment performed by our expert dental hygienists will clean parts of your teeth that your toothbrush and floss are unable to reach. Regular teeth cleanings get rid of plaque and tartar on your teeth which can lead to tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, or even tooth loss if left to build up on your teeth.
Dental Sealants
This treatment is a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. We typically treat the molars and premolars with dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. It will quickly bond with the depressions and grooves on the teeth providing instant protection.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
Mouthguards are an easy and affordable way to protect your teeth from damage. For our patients who suffer from teeth grinding, we will recommend a mouthguard for them to wear at night. Teeth grinding can do some serious damage to your teeth. Teeth that are worn down or that have chips or cracks can be very painful and costly to fix. Damaged teeth can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, or even tooth loss.
Proactive and Preventative Dentistry FAQs
Learn about proactive dentistry in Columbia, MD, with answers to these common questions:
What are proactive and reactive dentistry?
Proactive dentistry finds and treats dental problems early to ensure they do not progress further. Reactive dentistry addresses dental problems that are already complex and require extensive care.
What is the goal of preventative dentistry?
Preventative dentistry protects your smile against common dental problems, including tooth decay and gum infections. Routine dental care can meet these goals.
Are scaling and root planing preventative treatments?
Scaling and root planing may be used alone or as preventative care against gum disease. Patients who already have signs of gum inflammation and gum disease benefit from scaling and root planing. However, we may also recommend scaling and root planing if patients have gingivitis and are at risk of developing periodontitis.
Can I get a dental sealant as an adult?
Yes, while sealants are commonly recommended for children, we may place sealants on adults. Sealants are thin protective coatings that we place on the molars. If you are at risk of tooth decay or cavities, we can place sealants after a dental cleaning.
How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants can last 2 or more years. In some cases, sealants can last 5 to 10 or more years. However, we may need to reapply your sealants as they wear down over time.
How can I protect my teeth?
Brushing and flossing are the best preventative treatments to protect your teeth. Drinking fluoridated water, visiting the dentist regularly, and receiving preventative treatment can strengthen the tooth enamel and protect against problems like tooth decay and cavities.
How do I know if I have tooth decay?
Common signs of tooth decay include:
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold
- Sharp, sudden tooth pain or dull toothaches
- Holes or pits in the tooth enamel (cavities)
Contact our dentist if you notice any changes in your teeth so they can provide professional care as soon as possible.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you should visit the dentist more often than usual. Most people with healthy gums go twice a year, but if you have gum disease, your dentist might want to see you every 3 to 4 months. Gum disease can get worse if it’s not treated regularly. Our dentist will clean your teeth deeply to remove plaque and tartar that cause the disease. He will also check how your gums are doing and make sure the disease isn’t getting worse.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you seeking comprehensive dental care in Columbia or surrounding communities? We encourage patients of all ages to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Patients with more complex oral concerns such as gum disease or TMJ may consider visiting the dentist more often. We invite families to visit our Columbia, MD dentist office to learn first-hand the difference ProActive dentistry can make.