At Prairie View Dental, one of our main focuses is providing thorough preventive dentistry that minimizes our patients’ chances of developing oral health conditions throughout their lives, like gum disease and cavities. With the goal of keeping your smile whole and healthy, we’re proud to offer several proactive treatments to keep your smile on the right track. If you’re due for a bi-annual checkup and cleaning or are looking for a new family dentist in Sycamore, request an appointment today!
Every six months, the American Dental Association (as well as our dentists in Sycamore) recommends that you receive a professional checkup. These are conducted by our experienced dentists and include a review of X-rays as well as a thorough oral examination and oral cancer screening. Our team will look for signs of dental concerns, like cavities, as well as address any functional issues you may be having, like jaw pain or pain while biting down. We’ll then present you with a treatment plan if any issues are spotted.
Professional dental cleanings should be done every six months, even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing at home. During your cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will remove any plaque or tartar accumulations in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth to prevent decay from developing as well as infection. After this, we’ll floss and polish your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling refreshed!
Fluoride is a mineral found throughout nature, like in the fresh fruits and vegetables you get from the grocery store, the soil, and even the air! Most people are aware of its dental health-fortifying properties, as it’s able to strengthen tooth enamel to prevent cavities. At the end of your dental cleaning, our team can help supplement your fluoride intake by placing a fluoridated gel onto your teeth for added protection.
At each of your bi-annual checkups, our team will also complete a quick but effective oral cancer screening. We’ll examine the inside of your mouth, neck, tongue, and jaw area for any lumps, bumps, or visual abnormalities. If we spot anything concerning, our team can refer you for additional testing to determine the next steps.
If you wake up with a sore jaw, or you’ve noticed that your back molars look flat, you may be grinding and clenching your teeth at night as you sleep. To help prevent issues like TMJ disorder from arising, as well as reduce your chances of cracking or damaging a tooth, our team offers customized nightguards. These are designed to cushion your jaw joints and teeth, helping improve your comfort and oral health.
Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects the function and comfort of the two joints that hinge your lower jaw to your upper jaw, allowing you to open and close your mouth easily and effectively. When these joints and the muscles around them sustain trauma, tension, or added force, it can make basic daily tasks like eating and speaking uncomfortable and even painful. Our team offers occlusal splints to help relieve morning headaches and ease jaw fatigue so you don’t have to live in discomfort.