Preventive Dentistry in Santa Teresa, NM

Preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to avoid restorative treatments and keep your teeth looking and feeling good. A simple dental cleaning may not seem that important, but regularly taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help your smile in the long run. If you’ve been searching for an exceptional family dentist in Santa Teresa who offers a wide range of preventive dentistry services, contact our team at Santa Teresa Smiles today!

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Routine Cleanings & Exams

No matter how healthy your teeth and gums are or how good your at-home oral care routine is, regular dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining positive oral health. Dental exams allow our team to catch dental issues early when they are typically easier and less expensive to treat. Teeth cleanings remove built-up plaque and tartar that is hard to reach with a toothbrush, which helps reduce the patients risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are clear coatings that are applied to the top of the molars. Once applied, they can prevent bacteria from building up in the crevices of the tooth and causing tooth decay. They are virtually unnoticeable on the teeth and last for many years— some patients even have sealants on their teeth from childhood that they have completely forgotten about! While they are often recommended for children, patients of all ages can utilize them to protect their teeth.

Gum Treatments

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, and if it is not treated with an extra thorough oral care routine, it can develop into periodontitis. For more advanced cases of gum disease, our team offers laser therapy treatments, which are more efficient and more comfortable than traditional periodontal therapy. We also utilize ozone gum therapy to eliminate bacteria, as it is highly effective at killing harmful bacteria on contact. Our ozone therapy treatments for gum disease involve using ozonated water during deep cleanings to irrigate periodontal pockets, eliminate pathogens, and support tissue healing.

Custom Mouthguards

Santa Teresa Smiles offers a variety of mouthguards that can be utilized for many different reasons. For patients who regularly participate in contact sports, we recommend wearing a custom athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth during practices and games. We also offer several types of nightguards that can protect the teeth from nightly teeth grinding and can treat the symptoms of sleep apnea and TMD/TMJ. For more information, please visit our oral appliances page.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During routine dental exams, Dr. Oushy examines the teeth, gums, jaw, and all around the inside of the mouth. This is because she is checking for signs of a variety of different dental issues, including oral cancer. Oral cancer is a fairly common form of cancer that tends to be highly curable when it is found and treated early. If you believe you are at a higher risk for developing oral cancer, let our team know so we can perform extra thorough oral cancer screenings during your appointments.

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