Preventive Dentistry

Protect your radiant smile with Blyholder Family Dentistry. Call 316-684-4921 to get started.

Many people only go to the dentist when their teeth or gums are bothering them. Therefore, a dentist should be more than a provider of dental services. An experienced dentist will take care of your overall oral health, catching problems when they are small and manageable. In addition, quality dentistry prevents the need for frequent visits to the dentist’s office, costly procedures like root canals, or avoidable and irreversible tooth extractions.

We’re a family practice at Blyholder Family Dentistry, and we care about the health of our community. That’s why we offer state-of-the-art preventive dentistry in Wichita, KS. To learn more about our services, keep reading, explore our website, or reach out to us by phone today.

Preventive Dentistry is Crucial for Oral Health

Tooth decay, gum inflammation called gingivitis, infections, and other oral health problems are easy to overlook until they have progressed to the point where they compromise the integrity and health of the tooth.

Acting before symptoms occur is the best way to combat oral health problems. Blyholder Family Dentistry uses a multi-pronged strategy to promote each patient’s oral health and reduce or eliminate the need for invasive interventions.

Dental Cleaning

Experts recommend that people receive professional dental cleanings at least once a year, ideally every six months. Dental cleanings offer the following benefits:

• Removal of plaque and tartar build-up from tooth surfaces
• Removal of dangerous deposits and bacteria at the gumline
• A clearer picture of any underlying tooth damage, staining, or other issues

Regular cleanings can prevent bacteria from reaching deeper into the tooth or beneath the gum line. To schedule bi-annual cleanings, examinations, and other preventive dentistry in Wichita, KS, our staff is available today.

Digital X-Rays

Some dental problems are hard to detect during a dental exam or routine cleaning. Decay or damage has developed beneath the tooth surface or gums in these cases. Regular dental x-rays detect cavities, abscesses, impacted teeth, and other abnormalities.

Dentists recommend that patients receive dental x-rays at least once a year. The level of x-ray radiation used in dental x-rays is shallow compared to other procedures such as CT scanning. Therefore, yearly x-rays do not pose a significant health risk and provide many essential benefits.

Gum Disease

If food particles and bacteria remain at the gum line, they can cause gum inflammation. This inflammation leads to a progressive condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis often leads to periodontal disease. In this stage, pockets form between the gums and the teeth. These pockets can collect food particles and bacteria, causing damage to the gums, teeth, and jaw structures.

Tooth Extractions

In cases where periodontal disease and tooth decay have progressed to the interior of the teeth, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. By removing the tooth, your dentist can relieve the pain of toothaches and prevent the spread of infection.

Your dentist might also remove healthy teeth that have not come incorrectly. For example, teens and young adults with developing wisdom teeth and patients with small jaws might need extraction of excess teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride strengthens your teeth by preventing acids from breaking down your tooth enamel. As a result, regular fluoride treatment reduces the risk of cavities and tooth loss.

Oral Cancer Screening

Patients at risk for cancer might have their dentist check their mouth for tumors or precancerous growths. Oral cancer screening is recommended for everyone, but especially for:

• People who smoke
• People who drink alcohol regularly
• People who spend long hours in the sun
• Those with a personal or family history

Dental Sealants

To prevent the formation of cavities in children, your dentist may apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the molars. The sealant fills in crevices in teeth where cavities might form.

Mouthguards/Nightguards

Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, damages the enamel and can lead to tooth loss. It is a common problem, particularly at night. Custom-fitted mouthguards protect tooth enamel from damage.

Avoid Costly Dental Procedures by Trusting Your Oral Health to Blyholder Family Dentistry

If you’re struggling with dental health, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us with:

• Advanced tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Gum disease

Good oral hygiene and dental care, including regular examinations and timely treatment of gingivitis, plaque, and other dental problems, helps many patients recover and restore their smiles.

Take an active role in protecting your dental health. At Blyholder Family Dentistry, we do everything to help our patients, protecting families through preventive dentistry in Wichita, KS. Call us at 316-684-4921 to begin a relationship with a compassionate dental practice that will protect and care for you and your family.