Preventive Care in Chandler, AZ
#1 Recommended General Dentist in Chandler, AZ
Our practice philosophy is prevention. Good dental habits and regular check-ups improve the overall health and longevity of your teeth. Additionally, preventive dental services stop problems before they start. The earlier we catch problems, the more likely it is that we can avoid complex treatment down the road – or even begin to reverse the oral conditions that foster the problem in the first place.
As partners in our patients’ dental health, we prefer to prevent rather than to treat. We encourage patients to schedule their twice-a-year cleanings, during which our friendly staff provides exceptional care and essential diagnostic services, such as checking for cavities and oral cancer.
No matter how diligent you are at home about brushing and flossing, there are still bacteria in your mouth that can only be removed by professional teeth cleaning. Some naturally-ocurring bacteria cause gum disease, which can affect your overall health and appearance. We recommend that you attend a dental cleaning in our office every six months to reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth, and to keep your smile shiny and white. Has it been six months or longer since your last dental cleaning?
Cleanings At Our Office
- $12/unit
During your cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will partner with you to help you plan how to keep your mouth healthy between dental visits. A regular dental cleaning removes hard-to-reach bacterial plaque and tartar that you can’t eliminate by brushing and flossing at home. The dental team will use an instrument called a scaler to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from those hard to reach areas, helping to prevent periodontal disease. During your cleaning, you will receive both diagnostic and preventive services and the dentist will provide you with any educational information you may need.
The team will then polish your teeth using a hand held device with a rubber head that spins and polishes the surfaces of your teeth, leaving your smile spick-and-span. A slightly abrasive toothpaste is used during the polishing, helping to remove minor stains on the enamel. Polishing also leaves the teeth with a smooth surface that is less likely to attract bacteria and plaque.
The dentist will most likely recommend a fluoride treatment after your cleaning. This treatment helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth, making it more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay.
Essential Diagnostic Services
- $11/unit
We are invested in the health of our patients, and provide only the most careful and attentive diagnostic services. We begin by taking x-rays to assess the structural health of your teeth and jaws, and to detect tooth decay or any other abnormalities. The dentist will review your x-rays with you, as well as your recent medical history. For example, if you were recently diagnosed with diabetes or pregnancy, your risk for gum disease increases, and you may need to take special precautions to protect your smile.
The dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer and examine your gum pockets for evidence of periodontal disease. A healthy gum pocket is anywhere from one to three millimeters in depth. Anything over three millimeters means that gum disease has developed. If gum disease or any other health issue is found, the doctor will recommend treatment or refer you to a specialist.
Patient Education and Counseling
- $11/unit
During his visit with you, the doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of your at home dental care. He may reinforce the proper methods for brushing and flossing. If there are any concerns with your periodontal health or if any restorative procedures are necessary, the doctor will make treatment recommendations. He may also recommend a follow up visit for further hygiene treatment, if you need to return sooner than six months. Finally, the doctor may provide nutritional counseling to help you stick with a diet that is beneficial to your dental health, or counsel you to quit tobacco if you use it regularly.
Call Us for an Appointment
Dental cleanings are very important to the life of your teeth and your overall health. You should attend a cleaning at least once every six months, unless the doctor recommends a different schedule for you. If you are due for a dental cleaning, call our Chandler, AZ dental office at (480) 899-9484 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Heaton and Dr. Woodward today. Together with the team at Smiles of Chandler, they will make sure your smile stays healthy and bright!
