Preventive Dentistry
in Bloomington, IN

Solid preventive care is the foundation for your oral and overall health. Good at-home hygiene habits, in combination with professional cleanings, can keep your smile free from decay and other oral health issues like gum disease. Regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health so we can address any minor concerns before they become larger, more costly, and more invasive issues.

Preventive Dentistry

Diagnostic & Prevention

We understand that life gets busy, and it can become a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam. But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Seeing you twice a year allows our dentist in Bloomington to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour, and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Preventive Dentistry

Cleaning & Hygiene

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. We'll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Preventive Dentistry

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation of traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Preventive Dentistry

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.

Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surfaces of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a safe UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.

Preventive Dentistry

Periodontal Care

When left untreated, gum disease can have serious effects on your oral and overall health. Gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss can occur without proper treatment, so scheduling regular checkups for treatment is essential. Our team can keep gum disease from compromising your smile through a variety of periodontal treatments, such as deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing). Signs of gum disease include inflamed or bloody gums, persistent bad breath, sensitive teeth, and changes in your bite. If you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with us today. We'll schedule a consultation to get your smile back on a healthy path.

Preventive Dentistry

Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. It's always better to be safe rather than sorry, so get in touch with us even if you're unsure if what you are experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency. We are here to get you the care you need when you need it.

Preventive Dentistry

Sedation Options

Dental anxiety is common and normal, but it doesn't have to stop you from getting the care you need for your smile. We're happy to offer sedation options, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy painless, stress-free dental care, no matter the complexity of your treatment. If you're interested in our sedation options, get in touch with us today, and we'll find out what option will work best for you.

Preventive Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

Dr. Cummings will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Preventive Dentistry

Night Guards

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. Bruxism is often caused by stress and/or anxiety, and wearing a night guard is an easy-to-implement option that can help alleviate the symptoms. A night guard creates a barrier between your teeth that both protects them from grinding-related damage and restores your nightly comfort and rest quality. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness or hardness.

Preventive Dentistry

Sports Guards

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who participates in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you take part in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.

Preventive Dentistry

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness or tension in your jaw, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.

Did you know…

tooth icon

For best results, follow the order of this at-home oral care protocol:

1. Floss

2.Use mouthwash

3. Brush for 2 minutes

4. DON'T rinse after brushing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

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