Preventive Dentistry
At Desert Inn Smiles, we focus on preventive care through a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional cleanings and exams. While at-home dental care plays the most significant role in keeping your mouth healthy, regular professional maintenance is just as critical. During your visit, our dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any plaque and tartar buildup on or below the gum line using special instruments that scrape and clean away plaque deposits. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove this dangerous substance from your teeth and ensure your gums remain healthy and disease-free.
Cleanings & Hygiene
The mouth is full of bacteria, which collect on the teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and even the tonsils, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also cause plaque buildup, leading to gum disease and tooth decay if not prevented or treated correctly. We recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned at least once every six months. Typically, the cleaning is done at the same time as the patient’s regular checkup. During cleaning, our skilled dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth’s surface, removing any plaque, tartar, and food particles from the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. If any cavities are found during the exam, the dentist will clean them and fill them to prevent further decay. In addition to routine cleaning, patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash at least once daily to keep their mouths clean and healthy between professional cleanings.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays benefit both patients and dentists because they receive instant images that can be recalled instantly to the computer screen or printed easily. The images also enable patients to see what the dentist sees, which can help them understand any treatment recommendations they may have. These images can also be enhanced on the computer, allowing patients with missing teeth to see exactly what their teeth will look like after treatment.
Fluoride Treatments
If you have a cavity or a failing filling, we may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and prevent further damage. Fluoride treatments are quick and easy to apply. We simply paint the fluoride solution onto the affected teeth. The fluoride is then absorbed into the tooth enamel, protecting it from further decay and strengthening it against future damage.
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent cavities from forming. These back teeth are often hard to reach with a toothbrush, which makes applying sealants an easy and effective preventive measure to protect your teeth from tooth decay. It is also important to note that it is just as crucial for children to get dental sealants as for adults.
Periodontal Care
The mouth is vulnerable to many diseases, some of which can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early. One of the earliest signs of gum disease is gum bleeding during brushing or flossing. That’s often the first sign of gingivitis. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that naturally grows on our teeth and produces toxins that cause inflammation of the gum tissues. Plaque buildup causes even more damage and can lead to more severe forms of gum disease, such as gum recession. The effects of periodontal disease can include tooth loss, jaw bone deterioration, and even heart disease. If untreated, it can lead to costly procedures like bone grafting and dental implants. If you notice any changes in the color or shape of your gum tissue, see your dentist immediately for a checkup. They may recommend more frequent cleanings or even more extensive periodontal treatment if necessary.
Oral Cancer Screening
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your entire mouth and look for any abnormalities or signs of cancer, including white or red spots on your gums, lips, tongue, inside of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, or the tissue linings in your throat. If we find any signs of cancer, we may refer you to a specialist for more in-depth testing. Regular checkups are essential in the fight against oral cancer because they enable us to detect and treat this dangerous disease in its earliest stages.
Night Guards and Sports Guards
A night guard is a custom-made mouthguard that fits over your teeth to protect them from further damage if you’re dealing with bruxism or the unconscious habit of grinding your teeth during the night. Grinding can also happen during the day, which can also be quite damaging to your smile. If you wake up with a sore jaw or face after sleeping, you could be experiencing the symptoms of grinding.
Sports Guards
You can accidentally get hit in the face with a ball or even another player’s elbow during sports. This can lead to broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, or more severe injuries that require emergency dental care. Custom mouthguards can help protect your mouth and face from damage during any sport.
To learn more about the preventive dentistry treatments we provide, visit Desert Inn Smiles at 3220 S. DURANGO DR. STE. B2, Las Vegas, NV 89117, or call (702) 834-7707
Office Hours
MON - THU9:00 am-5:00 pm
FRI9:00 am-1:00 pm
SAT - SUNClosed
