Lexington Prosthodontics provides preventative dentistry in Burlington, MA. Call 781-222-3359 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
With preventative dental care, our goal is to stop potential oral health problems before they start. While our first line of defense when it comes to preventative care is routine dental cleanings and exams every six months, there are other treatments used to protect teeth from decay, injury, and the effects of gum disease.
Lexington Prosthodontics provides the following preventative dental services:
Dental Sealants – Sealants are a common preventative dental treatment for children and adults. Some people are more prone to cavities than others because their teeth have fine grooves or pits on the surfaces. Even with diligent oral hygiene, it can be difficult to remove plaque and bacteria from these areas because they are microscopic in size. Despite their small size, they have the ability to create big problems when plaque accumulates, often causing decay that spreads to other areas of the tooth structure. Sealants are a safe plastic material that is brushed onto tooth surfaces to fill the pits and grooves and keep plaque from building up in them.
Night Guards – Night guards are used to control nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, and also to treat TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and snoring. While clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can cause TMJ pain, even if it doesn’t produce these symptoms, it can be harmful to your long-term oral health, leaving your teeth susceptible to cracks, breakage, and other damage. Flexible plastic night guards mold to the shape of your teeth, so they are comfortable and easy to wear. Our night guards are custom-made with high-quality materials, making them a more effective option than over-the-counter appliances.
Mouth Guards – Patients who are involved in contact sports should wear a custom-designed mouth guard to protect their jaw, tongue, cheek lining, and teeth while playing. Even patients who participate in other forms of physical activity can benefit from the protection of a mouth guard. These flexible plastic guards are made to fit securely in your mouth, allowing you to talk and breathe unhindered. These guards typically last anywhere from three to 10 years.
Periodontal Treatment – Periodontitis, or gum disease, may lead to serious health issues that extend beyond the mouth. Gum disease can cause bleeding, swelling, bad breath, pain, and receding gums. When left to progress unchecked, gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. Because gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in deep pockets located between the teeth and gums, this bacteria can easily spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. Gum disease has been linked to stroke, respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, ulcers, osteoporosis, arthritis, and preterm birth. We can prevent the consequences of untreated gum disease with a simple procedure called scaling and root planing, in which buildup is removed and the root of the tooth is smoothed in order to allow the gum to reattach.
Call 781-222-3359 to schedule your appointment.