Preventative Dentistry and Gum Disease Therapy in Fort Wayne IN
The best way to keep your smile healthy (and to limit the amount of money you spend on dental care) is to address problems when they’re small and reversible. That’s why we emphasize family focused preventative dentistry and gum disease therapy that keeps teeth strong and cavity-free.
Schedule a Dental Checkup Every Six Months
Our healthy patients typically benefit from a preventive care appointment every six months. During these visits, we will:
- Carefully clean and polish away buildup and stains
- Screen for signs of oral cancer
- Examine the gums and bone for signs of detachment (periodontitis)
- Assess the integrity of your current dental restorations
- Intervene with fluoride remineralization treatments when weak enamel is found
- Diagnose tooth decay as early as possible
Remedies for Snoring
Our patients with chronic snoring problems, or those individuals with mild sleep apnea who happen to be CPAP intolerant, may find that it benefits them to wear an oral appliance for sleep apnea at night. Dr. Steve will consult with you directly (as well as your sleep physician when appropriate) to determine if this type of aid is recommended. Individuals who have used such appliances often find that they see significant results as early as the first night of use.
Protecting Young Smiles
Your child’s smile is especially susceptible to tooth decay when their young smile is still developing and oral hygiene habits are being established. Dr. Steve provides age-appropriate preventive tools to ensure the success and health of your son or daughter’s future adult smile. Some examples include:
- Dental sealants placed in deep grooves and pits that are more susceptible to cavities
- Professional fluoride treatments after each cleaning
- Protective athletic guards to guard against traumatic injuries during sporting events
Wearing a protective sports mouth guard can even potentially decrease the risk of concussions during athletic events. You might have even noticed the custom appliances that we’ve been proud to provide the Fort Wayne Mad Ants basketball team over the past several years!
Treatments for Gum Disease
Periodontal disease isn’t just dangerous to your smile’s integrity…it’s also a huge risk factor for your overall health and wellness. Studies continue to show that the more severe gum infections like periodontal disease are, the more severe underlying conditions are making them more difficult to manage.
Erasing gum disease from your life may help you control health problems like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, pneumonia, and numerous fertility-related conditions.
In addition to deep cleanings to remove pathogenic biofilm from the pockets around your teeth, Dr. Steve also offers soft tissue grafting. Most of our perio patients benefit from a cleaning every three to four months to keep their smile in good shape and avoid unwanted attachment loss.
Smile Solutions for Your Entire Family
Whether you need to maintain your smile’s status or intervene when there are gum infections, we can help you get back on the right track. Call us today to see why families have trusted Dr. Steve with their smiles for over 30 years!
Learn about our family dentistry services.
