Personalized, Preventative Dental Care Services for You

Good oral hygiene means more than just brushing and flossing. Our dental specialists Dental Care Associates provide teeth cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatments so you can feel confident about your smile.
Personalized, Preventative Dental Care Services for You
Preventative Care

Why Preventative Care?

Preventative Care services include:

  1. Dental Exams & Cleanings: A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  
  2. Dental X-rays: Dental X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without X-rays, problem areas can go undetected. 
  3. Home Care - Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.  Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. 
    • Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
    • Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum-line.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
    • Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. 
  4. Sealants - A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.  More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves.  Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay.  A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
  5. Fluoride Treatment - Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay.  It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies.  The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

What to Expect

BeforeTreatment

Preventive dentistry starts at home and continues in your dental office visits.

It is all about avoiding problems that can arise down the line. Education on proper oral hygiene, routine care, proactive cleanings, diagnosis, and treatment, can ensure and maintain strong, cavity-free teeth.

Brushing, flossing, and other regular routine care can help you prepare for your preventative care dentist visit.

DuringTreatment

You can expect services like oral exams, regular cleanings, educational instructions, and x-rays during your preventative dental care visit. This will help identify and treat early dental issues before they become serious.

Some general dentistry services range from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the level of preventative dental care that you need. On average, a cleaning visit takes about 90 minutes. 

AfterTreatment

After your preventative dental treatment, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You may experience some discomfort. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene in-between visits.
  • Schedule a follow-up visit if you begin to experience any problems.

Your First Visit

Our dentists and staff want to ensure that you and your family achieve optimal oral health. It is never too late or too early to practice preventive dental habits. Your first visit will take about 90 minutes and include services like a teeth cleaning, an exam, and plenty of time to speak with your dentist about any concerns.
Modern Dentistry

Modern Dentistry

All the latest technology can be found at our Pennsylvania, PA dental offices.
Judgment-Free Office

Judgment-Free Office

We're here to help you feel confident in your smile. We provide a safe, judge-free zone for any dental issue or concern you have.
On Your Schedule

On Your Schedule

Taking care of your dental health should fit within your schedule. We are open late and on weekends so you can get the care you need.

Insurance
and Financing

Are you worried about the cost of a preventative cleaning visit? Don't panic. We work with over 200 dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans for your convenience.

No Insurance?
No Problem.

Making An Appointment Is Easy

Don't have insurance? That's not a problem with us. We offer payment plans and accept most major credit cards, personal checks, and more.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of preventative dentistry can I get?
Teeth cleaning, dental exams, digital x-rays, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, sealants, and more are all forms of preventative dentistry.
Why should I floss, isn't brushing enough?

Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can't reach. That's the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth, and eventually, it may harden into calculus/tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist or dental hygienist can remove calculus/tartar. Ask your dental professional to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.

How do I take care of my teeth between appointments?
It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss.
When should I change my toothbrush?

Replace your toothbrush every three months. It is recommended that patients with periodontal disease replace their toothbrushes every four to six weeks. If you have been sick, replace your toothbrush as soon as possible. It is recommended to read the instructions for replacement guides for electric toothbrushes as they may need to be replaced more frequently.