Preventative Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry Westland, MI

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! For most patients, we do recommend scheduling bi-annual visits in accordance with the American Dental Association. The professional cleaning our patients receive with us is more thorough than what they can achieve at home, and is key for maintaining a healthy mouth. 

We also use these visits to examine each patients’ teeth and gums so that we can identify any potential issues before they become serious. In fact, we may encourage patients with certain risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking, a family history of gum disease, or diabetes, to visit us more frequently.

For patients who have healthy teeth and gums, the average visit to our office can be completed in less than an hour. This visit includes an examination, thorough cleaning, and screening for oral cancer.

Yes! Unhealthy teeth and gums impact more than just your smile. Poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to build up in the mouth, which may lead to tooth decay, gum irritation, and eventually gum disease (periodontitis). 

Periodontitis has been associated with a host of health conditions. This may include the accumulation of plaque in the arteries which may lead to heart attack or stroke, lung disease, and diabetes.

While a good oral hygiene routine can certainly help prevent and reverse early stages of gum disease, advanced periodontitis requires treatment in our office. 

This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Early intervention is key to preventing tooth loss and bone loss that may result from advanced gum disease.