Proper oral health habits and maintaining regularly scheduled dental visits are the cornerstone of preventive dentistry. During a checkup at his dental practice in Sterling, VA, Dr. E. Richard Hughes will look for tooth decay, as well as signs of gum disease and oral cancer. With a gentle approach and top dental technologies, Dr. Hughes and his team will help make your smile last a lifetime.
Preventive Dentistry
It is recommended that you schedule a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Keeping your mouth clean is the only way to reduce bacteria, which is the underlying cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr. Hughes highlights the connection between periodontal health and general health. He strives to keep patients in an optimal state of health. With timely treatment for gum disease, Dr. Hughes can decrease his patients’ risk of developing the more serious conditions commonly associated with declining periodontal health.
A sticky, colorless film called plaque constantly collects on your teeth. When you brush your teeth, the plaque is removed from the visible surfaces of your teeth. However, it is not possible for your toothbrush to reach the bacteria between your teeth (the areas most susceptible to disease and decay).
Regular professional checkups detect problems such as tooth decay, oral cancer, and gingivitis. Gum disease can not only lead to tooth loss, but is also associated with more serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, many oral health problems such as gum disease are treatable when caught early.
What Happens During a Dental Checkup?
A routine checkup is a two-step process that includes an oral exam by Dr. Hughes, and a cleaning by our dental hygienist:
- Oral examination: During your oral exam, Dr. Hughes will look for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. He will also examine your head, neck, and scalp. Dr. Hughes will take all the time necessary to explain any recommended treatments, so that you thoroughly understand your oral health, and can take an active role in your dental care.
- Preventive hygiene cleaning: The goal of a dental cleaning is to clean your teeth more deeply than you can at home. When the plaque on your teeth hardens, it changes into tartar, which can lead to gum disease. Tartar can only be removed through a professional cleaning, with special tools. Our dental hygienist will also remove stains and smooth the surfaces of your teeth by polishing them.
These preventive measures make it more difficult for plaque to adhere to the tooth’s surface. We will typically take x-rays during every other visit, to help detect problems such as hidden cavities. Your regular checkup is also an opportunity for Dr. Hughes and your hygienist to explain strategies that you can use at home to improve your dental health. For instance, it may be helpful to learn how to refine your brushing or flossing technique. During your appointment, Dr. Hughes may also notice other problems, such as teeth grinding or alignment issues, which can often be remedied with special mouth guards or other oral appliances.
Beyond regular checkups, we offer a range of preventive services to protect your oral health:
Fluoride/Varnish Treatments
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. We offer professional fluoride treatments and varnish applications to enhance your natural defenses against cavities.
Desensitizing Treatments
If you experience tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, we can provide effective desensitizing treatments to alleviate discomfort.
Halitosis Treatment
At E. Richard Hughes, DDS, we can identify and address the underlying causes of bad breath, such as gum disease or poor oral hygiene.
Athletic Mouth Guards
Protect your teeth from injury during sports activities with custom-fitted athletic mouthguards.
TMJ Treatment and Mouth Guards for Bruxism
If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), we can provide custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth from wear and tear, and help maintain your healthy bite. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, we can also provide medicinal therapy to help manage pain and inflammation.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
At E. Richard Hughes, DDS, we offer a range of treatment options for sleep apnea, including oral appliances that can help you breathe more easily while you sleep.
Our Dental Technology
Dr. Hughes employs the most up-to-date technology in his practice. He uses the VATECH PaX-1 imaging solution for accurate dental diagnosis. PaX-i provides the most precise and high-quality panoramic image by combining imaging processing and accumulated experience in dental imaging, designed to boost diagnostic accuracy through clear, sharp, panoramic images. Advanced details can be easily viewed with the PaX-i, helping Dr. Hughes gather all the information he needs for your healthy smile!
Boost Your Oral Health with Preventive Dentistry
Dr. Hughes' comprehensive approach to preventive dentistry is designed to promote your healthiest smile for life! Contact us today to schedule your next dentist appointment in Sterling.
