Consistent bi-annual preventive teeth cleaning and checkups are one of the best ways to protect your dental health.

smiling woman sitting in dental chair in troy mi

Prevention Results in Healthy Teeth and Gums

Preventive Dentistry in Troy

front desk in troy with oral b products on display Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of our practice because it helps our patients protect their dental health and overall well-being. Our hygienists have over 45 years of combined experience and are unsurpassed in the services they provide.

Preventive dental services include:

Routine oral examinations,
Dental x-rays
Professional teeth cleanings
Dental sealants
Fluoride treatments

These services are considered preventive because they aim to identify and address dental issues early, before they arise.

We also believe patient education, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, is integral to helping our patients prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

The Undeniable Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Many patients don’t realize that consistent home care routines and bi-annual visits to their Troy dentist can save them time, money, and stress. When we detect dental concerns in their earliest phases, we can proactively treat them before they become more significant and costly. Here are some other benefits that routine professional teeth cleanings and exams offer.

Helps Reduce Anxiety

Consistent preventive dentistry enables you to achieve predictable outcomes that can reduce or eliminate anxiety for fearful patients.

Protects Your Overall Health and Well-Being

Since oral health is closely related to overall health, routine professional teeth cleanings and checkups in Troy, MI, also protect your general well-being.

Helps You Avoid More Complex Treatment

When we catch problems like tooth decay early, we can likely treat them with a simple dental filling. If tooth decay goes unnoticed or untreated, it will progress into your tooth, reaching the nerve and causing a painful infection. At this point, you’ll need root canal treatment to eliminate your infection and preserve your tooth’s structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laser cold sore treatment is an innovative and effective method we offer at Degenhardt Dental to manage and treat cold sores, also known as fever blisters. This advanced technique uses a specialized dental laser to target the affected area, providing quick relief and promoting faster healing.

The key to successful laser treatment of cold sores is early intrvention. When you feel the telltale tingling or burning sensation that often precedes a cold sore outbreak, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial. By applying the laser at this early stage, we can significantly reduce the lifespan of the cold sore and minimize its severity.

How Does the Dental Laser Work?

The laser works by delivering concentrated light energy to the affected area, which can:

Reduce pain and discomfort
Decrease inflammation
Stimulate healing
Potentially prevent the cold sore from fully developing

The treatment is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and is generally painless. Many patients report immediate relief following the procedure, with visible improvements in the days following treatment.

Contact Our Troy Dental Clinic

If you feel a cold sore coming on, don't wait to call Degenhardt Dental at (248) 643-6551 to schedule a laser cold sore treatment in Troy, MI! Early treatment can significantly improve your comfort level and the duration of the outbreak.

You should get a professional dental cleaning in Troy, MI, every six months. This is the recommended schedule if you have excellent oral health. If you have a condition, such as gum disease, the dentist provides a more customized treatment plan to address the disease and help prevent complications.

Typically, teeth cleanings are part of your six-month checkup that includes:

An oral cancer screening
Teeth cleaning
Dental exam
X-rays as needed

Of course, the dentist will add additional preventive treatments if needed, such as dental sealants to protect against cavities if you are prone to tooth decay.

Your Unique Role in Prevention

Between checkups and teeth cleanings, it’s important to:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
Wear the proper splint if you grind your teeth.
Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
Report oral health changes to your dentist.

Preventive Dentistry in Troy, MI

Dental checkups and teeth cleanings lower your risks for tooth decay and more severe conditions like gum disease. Gum disease can affect your teeth and overall health, including your heart health and immune system.

To schedule your next checkup or to ask our dental team questions, call us today.

The Oral-Systemic Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health

dental chair in troy dental office Science has shown a clear connection between periodontal (gum) health and overall health. We now understand that the bacteria that cause gum disease can contribute to the inflammation responsible for chronic systemic concerns, such as:

Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Dementia
Rheumatoid arthritis

Gum disease has also been linked with complications during pregnancy, including low birth weight in babies.

When we spot gum disease early on (gingivitis), many patients can successfully manage their condition with a thorough professional teeth cleaning and improvements to their home care routine. Some patients can even reverse their gingivitis.

We also offer effective treatment for patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis), including deep cleanings and scaling, antibiotic therapy, additional cleanings throughout the year, and recommendations for surgery in severe cases.

How Do Routine Cleanings Differ from Periodontal Treatment?

We recommend a routine dental exam and cleaning every six months; during this visit, we’ll examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay or gum disease, and professionally remove plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can’t remove.

These regular preventive visits allow us to identify and treat any dental concerns before they worsen, saving you time and money.

If you have periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and a routine dental cleaning isn’t enough to get your oral health back on track, you may need scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatments.

For the scaling and root planing process, here’s what you can expect:

First, we’ll numb your gums with a local anesthetic.
Using an ultrasonic scaler, we’ll remove hardened tartar from above and below your gumline.
Then, we’ll use hand tools to remove any remaining tartar and smooth the uneven areas on your tooth’s roots. This helps your gum tissue reattach to your teeth.

Meet Our Dentist:

Jessica

Dental Hygienist

Jessica, a seasoned dental hygienist at Degenhardt Dental, began her journey in dentistry in 1997 as a dental assistant before graduating from hygiene school in 2004. With over two decades of experience, she finds joy in building lasting relationships with patients and engaging in meaningful conversations during their regular visits.

Passionate about oral healthcare, Jessica is particularly interested in educating patients on the crucial link between oral and overall health. Her enthusiasm for dental wellness matches her diverse interests outside the office.

In her free time, Jessica indulges in creative …

Preventive Dentistry & Periodontal Care Technology

A high-tech iTero digital scanner on a mobile cart next to a patient chair, displaying a 3D wellness scan of a patient's smile.

iTero Wellness Scan

At Degenhardt Dental, we use the leading-edge iTero Wellness Scan as part of our new patient exams and follow-up care. This non-invasive, radiation-free technology produces highly accurate 3-D images of your teeth, gums, and jawbone, enabling precise treatment planning and early problem detection.

The iTero scan is instrumental in creating customized plans for cosmetic procedures like braces and Invisalign. It also aids in identifying issues such as gum recession and cavities through detailed measurements. By monitoring tooth and gum wear, we can proactively address potential problems, preventing sensitivity, decay, and tooth loss.

A wall-mounted digital monitor in a treatment room displaying high-resolution dental X-rays in troy

Digital X-Rays

We utilize advanced digital x-ray technology to enhance your dental care experience at Degenhardt Dental. Digital x-rays offer clearer, more detailed images of your teeth and gums, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

Modern Diagnostic Imaging in Troy, MI

This modern approach reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional x-rays, prioritizing your safety. The instant availability of these high-quality images on our computer screens facilitates better communication between you and our dental team, enabling us to explain your oral health status more effectively and involve you in treatment decisions.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Ready to Protect Your Smile for the Long Haul in Troy?

At Degenhardt Dental, we believe that the best dental care starts before a problem ever arises. By prioritizing your routine cleanings and periodontal care today, you are investing in a healthier, more vibrant smile for years to come.

Our friendly team in Troy is ready to provide you with gentle, professional care in a comfortable environment. Contact Degenhardt Dental to book your next appointment.

Consistently, Friendly, Timely, and Professional are the adjectives for these family dentists.

Every Dentist can learn from this office how to run a dental operation. Consistently, Friendly, Timely, and Professional are the adjectives for these family dentists. I had my teeth cleaned and follow up exam by Dr. Chris Degenhardt. Hygienist Rena was thorough and yet made time to be friendly. I very highly recommend Degenhardt Dental if you are looking for a dentist.
-Bob

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