Preventive Dentistry in Summerville, SC!
Preventive dental services help protect your smile from preventable damage and keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling great. Investing in preventive dental treatments can help you and your family avoid invasive, costly, and time-consuming restorative treatments down the road. To learn more about our preventive services or to schedule your next appointment, please give our office a call so we can assist. Looking forward to meeting you at our dentist near you!
Contact UsPreventive Dentistry in Summerville
Oral Hygiene Services
Routine Dental Cleanings & Exams
No matter how well you take care of your teeth and gums at home, everyone should schedule routine dental checkups with their dentist. Cleanings help remove built-up plaque and tartar, which helps reduce a patients’ risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease, and dental exams allow our team to diagnose and treat problems as they arise.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Every dental cleaning and exam comes with a basic oral cancer screening. Dr. Palmateer will assess your teeth and gums for signs of various issues like cavities and periodontal disease, but she is also examining your mouth for signs of oral cancer. If you are at an increased risk for developing oral cancer, let us know, and we will perform extra thorough screenings.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments use a varnish that contains a highly-concentrated amount of fluoride. This varnish is applied after cleanings and must be left alone for at least thirty minutes to allow the teeth to fully absorb it. Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth structures, and they can even reverse early signs of tooth decay. Both children and adults can utilize them.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are clear coatings that are applied over the top of each molar. Sealants act as a barrier between bacteria and the grooves in the molars that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. They are also very discreet and protect the teeth for years at a time. While children frequently get sealants, they can protect the molars of any patient who wants them.
Custom Oral Appliances
Athletic Mouthguards
If you or your child frequently participate in sports like football, wrestling, basketball, or soccer, consider investing in a custom athletic mouthguard. Athletic mouthguards created at a dental practice are molded to fit the teeth perfectly, which means they are more comfortable to wear, and the more they are worn, the more they can protect teeth from damage.
Bruxism Prevention
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, usually occurs when patients are asleep, and it tends to increase during times of heightened stress or anxiety. Our nightguards are designed to protect the teeth from damaging each other during the night. Some patients only need to wear their mouthguards occasionally, while others make it a habit to wear theirs every night.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, and the airway is constricted multiple times throughout the night. Our appliances hold the jaw in a comfortable position that allows breathing to continue uninterrupted when this happens, which helps patients get a better quality of sleep and feel more awake during the day.
TMD/TMJ Therapy
If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw or daily headaches, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder. This joint connects the top of the jaw to the skull, and when teeth are tightly clenched throughout the night, it can put added stress on the TMJ. TMJ mouthguards can protect both the teeth and the jaw from feeling sore in the morning.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions:
What are signs I need a dental exam sooner than scheduled?
Even if you have a regular checkup scheduled, certain symptoms can arise that require seeing a dentist sooner. These can include tooth pain, bleeding gums, swelling, persistent bad breath, or a broken tooth or filling. Any sudden changes in your oral health shouldn’t be ignored. Early evaluation allows us to treat issues before they become more serious. If you’re unsure, call our office—we’d rather see you early than let a small problem progress!
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
Mouthguards, whether for sports or nighttime grinding, typically last at least 3-5 years depending on use. However, heavy wear, changes in bite, or visible cracks may mean it needs replacing sooner. For children and teens, mouthguards should be replaced more often as their mouths continue to grow and change. During your dental checkups, we’ll examine your mouthguard’s condition and fit to ensure it’s providing the protection you need.
Are there lifestyle changes that help TMJ issues?
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage TMJ discomfort. Avoid chewing gum or eating exceptionally tough or chewy foods, as these habits can strain your jaw. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation, since clenching and grinding often worsen with tension. Applying warm compresses, maintaining good posture, and performing gentle jaw stretches can also help. For persistent pain, we may recommend a custom nightguard or other treatments to relieve pressure and protect your joints.
Are preventive dental services included in the In-House Dental Savings Plan?
Our In-House Dental Savings Plan is designed to make preventive care affordable and accessible. It includes routine cleanings, comprehensive exams, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. By covering these essential services, the plan helps you stay on top of your oral health and reduce the risk of more complex dental problems in the future. Patients appreciate the savings and peace of mind that come with predictable, preventive care at an affordable rate.
Our Experienced Team in Summerville, SC
At Seastone Dental, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile. Regular checkups prevent dental issues and promote optimal oral health. If it’s time for a routine cleaning, you’re experiencing discomfort, or you’ve noticed something unusual with your teeth, schedule an appointment. Our Summerville dentist will provide personalized care, addressing your specific needs to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright.