Preventative Dentistry at Boones Ferry Dental in Lake Oswego, OR

It is easier, less painful, and ultimately less expensive to take care of your oral health before you have problems than waiting until after issues develop. That’s why it is important to visit Dr. Patrick Morrissey at Boones Ferry Dental twice a year!

What is preventative dentistry?

Coming in to visit Dr. Morrissey for your regular exam, is the most important step you can take to prevent problems with your teeth and gums.

During this exam, a hygienist will give your teeth a thorough cleaning and polishing. She will also make you aware of any areas in your mouth that you may not be brushing and flossing properly. She may also apply fluoride treatments and sealants if necessary.

Once this is complete, Dr. Morrissey will visually examine your mouth and teeth. He will look for any signs of gum disease, and make sure your teeth are still positioned correctly relative to your other teeth, your lips, and tongue.

Dr. Morrissey will also check to make sure your temporomandibular joint is functioning as it should, and check for any abnormalities in your head and neck muscles. He will also check for any signs of oral cancer — very often the dentist is the first one to spot signs of this and other diseases or medical conditions.

This twice-a-year exam is a very important part of preventative care.

What is fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is very important for healthy teeth. It builds up tooth enamel and makes it stronger. It protects teeth by making them more resistant to bacteria and sugar. It can even help to reverse tooth decay when it is at its early stages.

Fluoride can be found in water and naturally occurring in many foods. You also get additional fluoride when you use toothpastes and mouthwashes that have fluoride added. However, for some people this fluoride may not be enough. That’s when professional fluoride application may be recommended.

This mineral is important for kids as their teeth are growing and developing, but adults can often benefit from fluoride treatments as well.

If Dr. Morrissey thinks that you need extra help keeping your teeth healthy, he may recommend a fluoride treatment. This involves applying a special gel, foam, or varnish with a high level of fluoride to your teeth. An alternative is a liquid or tablet kind of fluoride that you can use at home.

What are sealants?

Sealants are another treatment that, like fluoride, are easy and painless, yet can go a long way in helping to prevent future problems with teeth.

Teeth crowns have many pits and grooves that can easily trap debris and food. It can be hard to get teeth completely clean because of these pits — but sealants cover the teeth and protect them.

Sealants are simply a liquid plastic coating that Dr. Morrissey or one of his hygienists will “paint” on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Once this coating hardens, it can protect teeth for months and make it easy to keep them clean.

It is often recommended that children get sealants, but adults can benefit from them as well. Dr. Morrissey may suggest you get sealants if you are at high risk for cavities even though you may practice good oral hygiene habits.

An important part of keeping your teeth healthy is visiting your Boones Ferry Dental in Lake Oswego, OR, for preventative care. Call Boones Ferry Dental and make an appointment today, at (503) 699-6699.