Preventative Dental Care

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Preventative Care is Key to Longterm Dental Health

A preventative program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist and dental team to preserve your smile by preventing the onset, progress and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile. The professionals at Childress Dental Center are here to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.

Dental Exams

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, the professionals at Childress Dental Center will include the following:


Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)

Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions


Oral cancer screening

Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer


Gum disease evaluation

Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease


Examination of tooth decay

All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments


Examination of existing restorations

Check current fillings, crowns, etc


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Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment  at Childress Dental Center will include a dental exam and the following:


Removal of calculus (tartar)

Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.


Removal of plaque

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!


Teeth polishing

Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.


Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping Childress Dental Center detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.


Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. We use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.


Dental X-Rays May Reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts
  • Bone loss
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
  • Decay between the teeth
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Poor tooth and root positions
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line


Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

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