Routine Preventive Care

Prioritize Your Smile
Ankeny's Best Oral Health Care

Regular checkups to our industry leading staff will ensure your teeth, gums and overall oral health are always maintained

Why is routine preventive care so important?

Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy, confident smile for years to come. Whether it’s time for your routine check-up or you’re overdue for a cleaning, we’re here to help you stay on track with your oral health.

Book Your Preventive Appointment Today!

Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact us today at Briarwood Dental to schedule your next preventive visit and let’s work together to keep your smile looking and feeling its best!

At Briarwood Dental, we believe that the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile is through proactive care. Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of long-term oral health, and regular check-ups and cleanings are essential to avoid future dental problems. By visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you can prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns before they become more serious and costly.

Why Preventive Dental Care Matters

Preventive care is all about taking steps to maintain your oral health and avoid more complicated and expensive treatments down the road. Regular dental visits give us the opportunity to identify early signs of potential issues and take action before they develop into more significant problems.

Routine check-ups and cleanings not only protect your teeth but also contribute to your overall well-being. Your oral health can affect your general health, with studies showing links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Keeping your mouth healthy through regular preventive care is an investment in your whole-body health.

Regular Check-ups: Keeping Your Smile on Track

A dental check-up is more than just a chance for us to look at your teeth — it’s a comprehensive exam that allows us to assess your overall oral health and detect any potential problems early on. During your routine check-up, we’ll perform several key procedures:

  • Thorough Exam: We’ll carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer. Early detection is vital to preventing more serious issues.
  • Radiographs (as needed): Digital radiographs allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface, including issues that may not be visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between the teeth or bone loss.
    Gum Health Evaluation: We’ll check for signs of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth.
  • Bite and Jaw Assessment: If you experience jaw pain or have any concerns about your bite, we can address these during your check-up. This helps to prevent issues like teeth grinding or misalignment.

Professional Cleanings: Freshen Up Your Smile

Even with regular brushing and flossing at home, it’s important to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed with regular brushing. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s what to expect during a routine cleaning:

  • Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized instruments, we’ll remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, including areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing, such as along the gum line and between teeth.
  • Polishing: After your teeth are cleaned, we’ll polish them to remove surface stains and give you a fresh, bright smile.
  • Fluoride Treatment (optional): Depending on your needs, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities.

A professional cleaning not only ensures your teeth are thoroughly clean but also helps to prevent future dental issues like gum disease and cavities.

How Often Should You Visit for Preventive Care?

The American Dental Association recommends that most patients visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months. However, the frequency of your visits may vary depending on your individual oral health needs. If you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns, you may need to visit more frequently.

Our team at Briarwood Dental will work with you to determine the right schedule for your dental check-ups based on your unique needs.