Preventive Dentistry
Many people wonder if making it to their biannual dental appointment is really necessary.
The short answer is – yes!
Good preventive care helps reduce your risk for certain illnesses and can help you achieve and maintain the level of excellent oral health that lets you look and feel your best.
Providing Your Medical History
Your biannual visit is a great opportunity to tell your dentist about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your mouth. You’ll also want to give a detailed description of your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.
Knowing your medical history allows your dentist to gain a better understanding of your overall health. After all, there is a strong systemic link between the health of your mouth and the prevalence of many serious health concerns. For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.
Examinations
Symptoms of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.
During your visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. You’ll also be evaluated for risk factors associated with illnesses like bone loss and periodontal disease. This way, potential problems can be identified in their early stages while they are easily treatable.
Your dentist will also check your bite and may administer x-rays or recommend other diagnostic measures.
Teeth Cleaning
During your visit, your teeth will be gently and professionally cleaned. Your dental team will meticulously remove hard-to-reach plaque. At this time, you may be given tips on how to improve your at-home care routine, and your hygienist can show you proper procedures for brushing and flossing.
A thorough teeth cleaning not only helps improve the health of your teeth but also makes them look great! A good cleaning can actually have a whitening effect on your smile. Your cleaning will leave you looking and feeling great.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Don’t miss your biannual visit! Contact our office and schedule an appointment.
Testimonial
My daughter has been going here for a few years and she absolutely hates going to the dentist. Today she had sweet Sammy cleaning her teeth and he was so gentle and joked with her to help her anxiety. He is truly so kind and caring. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
-Julia K.
Our Team
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Dr. Antuan Herriott
Dr. Antuan Herriott was born into a military family in Fort Riley, Kansas. He grew up in Germany and lived in several states before coming home to Sumter, South Carolina. He holds a B.S. in chemistry from Winthrop University and a D.M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina.
He is not only passionate about providing high-quality dentistry to his patients, but also about getting to know them on a personal level. Dr. Herriott says, "I wanted a profession in the medical field that would allow me to establish long-lasting relationships ...
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Preventive Dentistry Technology
Digital X-Rays
Modern digital dental x-rays benefit patients in a number of ways:
- Digital x-rays expose patients to considerably less radiation than conventional film x-rays
- Digital x-rays require almost no time for development, reducing time spent waiting in the dental chair
- Digital x-rays allow for incredibly precise and accurate images for timely diagnoses
- Digital x-rays are securely stored in your digital file and can be securely sent to your insurance company or specialists, when necessary
- Because no chemicals are needed for developing and no space is needed for film storage, digital x-rays are better for the environment