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Preventative Dentistry in Dickson, TN 

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College Street Smiles provides preventative dentistry services in Dickson, Tennessee. Call 615-446-7878 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is Preventative Dentistry?

Preventative dentistry refers to dental procedures that prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental and oral health problems. The goal is to prevent the need for restorative procedures and keep the natural teeth healthy and in place.

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry provides many benefits for patients:

  • Healthier teeth. Preventative dentistry removes plaque and calculus from your teeth that would otherwise cause decay. Your teeth stay healthy and your enamel stays strong to resist decay.
  • Healthier mouth. Healthy teeth that are free of plaque and calculus reduces the risk of developing gum disease or other soft tissue conditions.
  • Early detection of health risks. Preventative dentistry includes diagnostics such as X-Rays that detect cavities, soft tissue abnormalities, and other potential problems so that they can be more successfully treated.
  • Better looking smile. When your teeth are clean and healthy your smile looks healthier and more attractive.
  • Fresher breath. A clean mouth means fresher breath. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause bad breath that can only be improved with treatment.

Procedures Offered

We provide the following preventative dental services:

  • Teeth cleaning. We provide thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque and calculus and polish the teeth until they are smooth and less susceptible to decay.
  • Comprehensive oral examination. We will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, jaw, head, and neck to identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed.
  • X-Rays. We take digital X-Rays once a year, or more often if needed, to identify potential problems that are not immediately visible.
  • Fluoride treatments. We apply fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel to make it more resistant to decay.
  • Sealants. When one or more teeth are at risk for decay, dental sealants can be applied to even out the tooth surface to reduce the risk.
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Why Choose College Street Smiles?

We take preventative dentistry seriously because we believe that preserving your natural teeth is best for your dental and oral health. Taking preventative measures can prevent the need for more in depth dental treatment to repair decayed teeth. It can also save teeth before it is too late and they can only be extracted and replaced. Replacement teeth are a possibility, but it comes at a cost.

If you have avoided regular dental visits due to fear or anxiety, we understand. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable during your visits to our office, potentially with the assistance of sedation if necessary to help you feel calm and relaxed. Our patients are always the center of our focus as we strive to improve your experience in every way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventative Dentistry

Can preventative dentistry prevent all tooth decay?
Tooth decay can happen no matter how well you care for your teeth. But preventative dentistry significantly reduces the chances that your teeth will develop cavities by removing plaque and calculus that cause decay and strengthening your enamel to resist decay.
Are fluoride treatments necessary if I use fluoride toothpaste?
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. It is contained in most over the counter toothpastes and in greater amounts in prescription strength toothpaste. But fluoride treatments have a higher concentration of fluoride and are applied as a varnish that clings to the teeth. These treatments, especially for children, are extremely beneficial.
Why do I need X-Rays of my teeth and mouth once a year?
X-Rays, otherwise known as radiographs, offer insight to areas of the mouth and face that are not visible to the eye. They allow for detection of cavities between the teeth and a view of their depth, as well as the roots of the teeth below the gums and teeth that have not yet come in. Early detection results in better treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between a dental sealant and a filling?
A dental sealant may be applied to a tooth that has deep grooves or an uneven surface that makes it more susceptible to decay. The sealant smooths out the enamel to prevent decay. A filling is used to treat a cavity that is already present in a tooth. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and composite material is used to fill the hole.
Is preventative dentistry covered by insurance?
In most cases dental insurance covers preventative dentistry because it keeps dental costs low. Teeth cleaning and oral exams are typically covered every 6 months. Contact your provider or refer to your benefits guide for more information about your plan and coverage.
Are dental X-Rays safe?
Dental X-Rays are a safe diagnostic tool. We use digital X-Rays which only use a fraction of the radiation that traditional film X-Rays used to require. You will still be covered by a protective apron that prevents radiation exposure to your vital organs.

Contact Us

To learn more, call 615-446-7878 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

320 E. College Street, Suite C
Dickson, TN 37055
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