Did you know that 50% of American children have had cavities by the age of nine years old and that one in five American adults have an untreated dental cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
Regular diagnostic and preventative dental care can save you from a lot of pain and spending a lot of money in the long run. Finding a general dentist that you’re comfortable with is crucial to avoiding long-term dental health problems that can eventually develop into health issues.
Finding the right dentist for you can be a challenge. If you’re located in the Houston area, check out URBN Dental’s diagnostic and preventative dental services. Here, you’ll find leading-edge technology, BPA-free fillings, emergency dental services, free cosmetic consultations, and more.
As the name suggests, diagnostic dental care is anything that helps your dentist diagnose your specific dental problem. For example, dental X-rays would be a diagnostic service that assists your dentist in diagnosing problems with your teeth that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Preventative dental care is any service that prevents dental problems, such as dental cleanings and fluoride treatments.
A proper diagnosis and treatment plan are vital to keeping your mouth healthy. Common diagnostic procedures offered at URBN Dental include:
Digital X-rays are important for properly diagnosing oral health problems like cavities, infections, and periodontal problems. X-rays are essential to creating treatment plans for any of these issues.
During the dental exam, your dentist will look at your latest X-rays and visually examine your teeth and gums. They may also poke at your teeth with their instruments to check that there is no pain and to ensure that no teeth are loose.
Before the actual examination, you will be asked about your medical history (any medication you take, health conditions, etc.) and about lifestyle factors that can contribute to oral health issues, such as if you smoke or chew tobacco. You may also be asked about your oral hygiene and eating habits and any concerns you may have with your dental health.
The dental examination will include a physical examination as part of an oral cancer screening where the dentist will feel around your jaw, cheeks (inside and out), and neck for any early indicators of oral cancer.
A patient’s role in diagnostic dental care is to be upfront about your health, lifestyle, and any dental issues and concerns you may have. Being candid about the extent of your symptoms is important as well to get a proper diagnosis.
URBN Dental uses the best technology and materials available to provide patients with superior general dental care.
Preventative dental care procedures offered at URBN Dental include:
Dental cleanings are performed by a professional dental hygienist who removes plaque and tartar from your teeth with a specialized instrument called a scaler. These oral cleanings also include polishing, which is when they use a special rubber-cupped tool that spins to apply a specialized paste to your teeth to make them smooth. This is done to remove the layer of bacteria-filled biofilm that gathers on your teeth. Polishing also reduces how much biofilm can stick to our teeth between cleanings.
Dental sealants create a smooth surface, making dental tartar less likely to develop between cleanings. Dental sealants are generally recommended for children and young teens who have permanent molars that are susceptible to cavities, but in some cases, they may be an option for older cavity-prone adults as well.
Fluoride treatments are generally recommended for all patients at the end of a dental cleaning to help strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities.
URBN Dental designs custom mouth guards and nightguards to protect your teeth and jaw from damage. Mouth guards are generally used during contact sports or for those who grind their teeth and/or clench their jaw at night. In some cases, night guards can also assist with snoring and sleep apnea.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and sticking to treatment plans is the best way patients can assist their dental teams with achieving the desired outcomes. To prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, patients should be:
Brushing and flossing alone do not remove plaque and tartar. If plaque and tartar buildup is not removed by a professional dental hygienist through routine dental cleanings, you become significantly more at risk for:
Brushing and flossing your teeth before an appointment is appreciated to give dental staff the best visibility to examine your teeth. You should bring your list of prescriptions, insurance information, and any questions you may have.
Yes. Most dental insurances cover preventative care. URBN Dental accepts most PPO dental insurance plans, and we provide financing options for those who may not have insurance or have limited coverage.
Yes. URBN Dental offices are open on Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All locations are closed on Sundays.
URBN Dental has eleven locations in the Houston area to choose from, including one in Katy.
Diagnostic and preventative dental care is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. We provide patients with comprehensive dental care, such as fillings, root canals, dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and more.
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