Preventative Dentistry

Everyone needs regular dental exams and cleanings to maintain good health - teeth are free, but tooth decay and infection are expensive! At your periodic dental exam and cleaning appointment, we focus on maintaining your oral health and preventing problems before they start.
 
First, we'll review your medical history and discuss any concerns you have. During the exam, we’ll carefully check your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. X-rays may be taken to detect hidden problems. Next, our dental hygienist will gently clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can't be removed by brushing alone. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Dr. Reid will provide personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and other oral care techniques tailored to your needs.
 
Regular exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy smile, so we'll schedule your next visit before you leave. If we find any concerns, we'll discuss treatment options and create a plan together to keep your smile bright and healthy.

Perio trays are a personalized treatment option we offer to combat gum disease effectively. These custom-fitted trays resemble mouthguards and are filled with a specialized medication tailored to your needs. They're worn at home for a few minutes daily, allowing the medication to penetrate deep into gum pockets, where brushing and flossing may not reach. This targeted approach helps reduce inflammation, control bacterial growth, and promote gum healing. Regular use of perio trays, along with consistent dental visits and good oral hygiene, can significantly improve your gum health and overall dental wellness. I'll guide you through how to use and care for your trays to maximize their benefits.

Do you wake up with neck pain, tightness in your jaw or pain toward your ears? All of these symptoms could be a sign of temporal-mandibular joint complications. Not to worry, we can help! TMJ Therapy focuses on relieving discomfort and improving the function of your jaw joint and muscles. During your appointment, we'll start by discussing your symptoms and medical history to understand your unique situation. We'll perform a thorough examination of your jaw joint, muscles, and bite to assess any issues. Depending on your needs, treatment may involve using a custom-made oral appliance, exercises to strengthen jaw muscles, or lifestyle changes to reduce stress on the jaw. We'll work together to create a personalized plan aimed at alleviating pain, improving jaw movement, and restoring comfort. Regular follow-up visits will ensure that your TMJ Therapy continues to be effective and supportive of your overall oral health.

If you have problems with teeth grinding, clenching or snoring, we can help protect the health of your smile and get you a good night’s sleep. At Superior Smiles, we offer custom-designed mouth guards to fit you perfectly. During your appointment, we'll discuss your specific needs, whether it's for sports, nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), or jaw clenching. We'll take impressions of your teeth to create a mouth guard that fits perfectly and feels comfortable. Once your custom mouth guard is ready, we'll show you how to wear and care for it properly. Whether you're an athlete needing protection during sports or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a well-fitted mouth guard can help prevent dental injuries and reduce jaw discomfort. Regular check-ups will ensure your mouth guard continues to provide optimal protection and comfort for years to come.

Oral cancer screening is a crucial part of your routine dental check-up aimed at detecting signs of oral cancer early, when it's most treatable. During your appointment at Superior Smiles, we will carefully examine your mouth, tongue, gums, and throat for any suspicious lumps, red or white patches, or other abnormalities. We may also gently feel the tissues in your mouth and throat to check for any unusual changes. If necessary, Dr. Reid may recommend additional tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Early detection through regular screenings significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Your health and well-being are our top priority, so we'll discuss any findings and answer any questions you may have about oral cancer prevention and screening.

When To Make An Appointment

As with all health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Aside from visiting us for your checkup every six months, there are other ways you can prevent the development of oral cancer. The number one way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products. For your overall health, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet has many benefits, including the prevention of oral cancer. Your dermatologist will appreciate this one too: limit UVA/UVB exposure and always wear sunscreen!

Whatever the dental emergency, you should be seen as soon as possible! Call the Superior Smiles office, and we’ll do our very best to get you in the same day to be treated and feeling better in no time.
 
Dental emergencies are serious business. Let’s review what is and what isn’t a dental emergency: