Preventative Dentistry 

A woman having her teeth cleanedAt Dr. Ron Burgmeier’s office, preventative dentistry is the cornerstone of our practice.  We strive to help our patients achieve optimal oral health through routine dental care and good habits at home.   Regular dental visits are an essential part of preventive dentistry.  We encourage all of our patients to visit us at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup to ensure optimum oral health.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

  • Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
  • A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
  • Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Burgmeier can use to effectively halt its progression.

If you have any anxiety about your dental cleaning please let us know.   If your dentist or hygienist find tooth decay or gum disease, they will discuss changing your brushing and flossing habits. In some cases, they will recommend other dental treatments.  If your gums and teeth are healthy they will likely recommend that you continue your home care as usual.