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Preventive Care & Hygiene

We’ve all heard the saying, “The eyes are the gateway to the soul,” but what about your mouth? We use our mouths for talking, smiling, laughing, kissing, eating and even breathing! Many of life’s joys are taken from us without a healthy mouth.

Five Points Family Dental prioritizes your smile’s health and radiance through our comprehensive preventive dental care services. It’s the cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral and overall health. It involves regular check-ups and cleanings to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems.

The mouth and the heart are closely linked, and bacteria can spread from your mouth via the bloodstream causing cardiovascular problems and generalized inflammation. By practicing preventive care, you not only safeguard your teeth and gums but also contribute to your overall well-being.

Regular Teeth Cleaning Improves Overall Health

Teeth cleaning is a crucial aspect of preventive care in reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Our skilled dental hygienists use advanced ultrasonic tools and precise hand instruments to remove staining, plaque, and calculus buildup from your teeth. Your teeth are then polished to a smooth, bright shine. We strongly recommend a topical fluoride varnish treatment every six months to maintain strong and healthy enamel. We use a fluoride varnish that you can eat and drink immediately after the application and have three fun flavors. At the end of each hygiene appointment, we provide customized at-home care instructions such as tooth brushing and flossing techniques, and product recommendations. We stock a variety of prescription toothpaste and mouth rinses that we make available below local pharmacy markup.

After each cleaning, you will leave our office with a customized goody bag and a renewed awareness of your oral hygiene and health. Cleanings leave your teeth feeling fresh and polished, enhancing your smile’s appearance and boosting your confidence.

Periodontal Care and Deep Cleanings
Did you know that gum disease is caused by both genetic and environmental factors? Poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, lack of flossing, smoking, and use of chewing tobacco all contribute to inflammation which causes bone loss around teeth. Understanding and reducing contributing factors will help slow or stop gum disease and prolong the longevity of your teeth. Our team provides personalized treatment plans to identify and address gum disease and prevent its progression.
Early to advanced stages of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, are an indication for a deep cleaning. Using a periodontal probe and x-rays we determine any areas that warrant a deep cleaning or sub-gingival calculus removal. During a deep cleaning, local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable and the mouth is divided into quadrants to focus the treatment. Afterwards, a periodontal maintenance plan is developed and your dental health is closely monitored and maintained in four-month increments rather than the traditional six-month period.
Keeping your gums healthy helps prolong the longevity of your teeth and facial bone structure but also helps promote fresher breath and a healthier heart!
Low-dose Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography allows us to obtain detailed images of your teeth and jawbone with minimal radiation exposure. We use modern digital sensors to capture detailed images of your teeth.

These high-resolution images help us detect hidden dental issues, such as cavities and impacted teeth, that may not be visible during a regular exam. Using this type of advanced technology enables early detection of dental issues, leading to more precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
CBCT (Planmeca Pro 3D LEC)
The most thorough and effective way of making an dental assessment is with a 3D X-ray. Five Points Family Dental uses an advanced Carestream 3D X-ray imaging system in-house for diagnostics and treatment planning. CBCT X-rays (Cone Beam Computed Tomography X-rays) are a specialized type of imaging used in dentistry to produce 3D images of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues. We can see much more beyond the traditional 2D X-rays, which are only best for diagnosing cavities. CBCT scans are essential for procedures such as implant placement, planning root canal therapy, and evaluating jaw disorders.

Our imaging system also works comfortably with growing children. The system collects a panoramic 3D image around their entire head, removing the need to insert and bite down on a positioning tool that can often be too large and uncomfortable for a child’s mouth.  We are proud to use this advanced imaging technology for improving patient outcomes and personalized care.

Dental Education

We look forward to seeing our patients for routine cleanings and dental appointments; however, the real work is put in by you, each and every day. This is why dental education is so important. Dr. Nelms takes the time to present the most up-to-date, evidence-based dental research and answer any questions you may have. She believes strongly that understanding why and how biological systems work empowers patients to best care for their oral health. Together with the support of our highly trained staff, we will show you the proper methods to keep your smile looking healthy and beautiful.

Please visit our Five Points Family Dental Blog for helpful tips on all the ways you can keep your teeth and mouth in good health.

Schedule a Comprehensive Exam Today

At Five Points Family Dental, we understand the importance of preventive care in preserving your smile for years to come. Don’t wait until you experience dental problems—schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule an Exam Today