PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Establishing a personalized oral health care plan is essential for preventing dental issues before they arise. This includes routine visits—typically every six months—for professional cleanings, diagnostic X-rays, and other preventive care services performed by our experienced dental hygienists. These regular appointments help maintain optimal oral health and support early detection of potential concerns.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth—including the gums, ligaments, and bone. Similar to tooth decay, it is caused by harmful bacteria found in plaque and tartar that accumulate around and beneath the gumline. Because the progression of periodontal disease is often painless, many individuals may be unaware they are affected.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits are critical to the early detection and management of gum disease. Our providers perform thorough evaluations to assess your periodontal health and, if needed, develop a customized treatment plan. For patients with moderate to advanced periodontal concerns, we typically recommend maintenance visits approximately every three months. This proactive approach helps slow disease progression and supports long-term oral health.

Our state-of-the-art iTero® digital scanner allows us to capture highly detailed 3D images of your mouth—quickly, comfortably, and without the need for traditional impressions. This advanced technology enhances patient comfort, improves accuracy, and accelerates the start of treatment.

The iTero scanner is completely safe and does not involve any radiation exposure. It enables our team to create precise digital models for remote treatment planning and allows us to monitor changes over time, including tooth wear from grinding, crowding, and gum recession.

Each scan is securely stored in your patient record and can be used for a variety of treatments, including Invisalign® clear aligners, dental implants, and other restorative or cosmetic procedures.

At Wheatfield Family Dentistry, we utilize advanced digital imaging technology to ensure the safest, most accurate diagnostics for our patients. Our digital X-rays use the lowest possible dose of radiation while providing high-resolution images that are essential for detecting conditions such as cavities, gum disease, dental abscesses, and lesions.

When a more detailed view is necessary, we use 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to capture comprehensive, three-dimensional images of the teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. This technology is critical in diagnosing complex conditions and plays a vital role in planning precise, successful treatments—especially for dental implant surgery.

Cone beam imaging allows us to:

• Accurately measure the shape, structure, and dimensions of the jaw
• Identify periodontal (gum) concerns
• Detect lesions or abnormalities that may signal serious disease
• Pinpoint the source of pain or discomfort
• Evaluate critical anatomical structures such as the sinuses, nasal cavity, and nerve canals

At Wheatfield Family Dentistry, your health and well-being are our top priorities—which is why we include a comprehensive oral cancer screening during every dental cleaning appointment. Our providers carefully examine the mouth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues, monitoring for any lesions, lumps, discolored patches, or other abnormalities. If an area of concern is detected, a biopsy can be performed and sent to a specialist for further evaluation.

We also utilize Vizilite® technology, an advanced screening tool that uses a safe LED blue light to highlight tissue changes that may not be visible to the naked eye. When combined with a traditional head and neck exam, Vizilite enhances our ability to detect potentially cancerous lesions or other abnormal tissue formations at an early, more treatable stage.

Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the orofacial region but is most commonly found on the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, inner cheeks, and hard palate. Early detection is key, and maintaining regular dental visits allows your provider to promptly identify any changes in your oral health.

Being proactive with routine exams is a powerful step in safeguarding your long-term health.

Fluoride treatments are a simple yet effective way to enhance your oral health and can be easily added to any routine hygiene visit. After your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will apply a fluoride varnish directly to the teeth.

Fluoride helps protect against tooth decay by attracting essential minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which bond to the enamel and help remineralize and strengthen the teeth. This preventive measure is especially beneficial for patients of all ages and contributes to long-term oral health.

As part of your child’s preventive dental care, sealants are often recommended to protect the permanent back teeth from decay as soon as they erupt. These molars have deep grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces, which can be difficult for children to clean thoroughly—especially during the early years of brushing independence.

Dental sealants are a clear, durable, plastic-like coating applied to these vulnerable areas. The material fills and seals the grooves, helping to block out cavity-causing bacteria and food particles. This simple, non-invasive treatment plays a vital role in reducing the risk of tooth decay and promoting long-term oral health.

Nightguards are often recommended to protect the teeth and support the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in individuals who clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. These custom-made oral appliances act as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, helping to prevent enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, and damage such as chips or fractures that may require extensive restorative treatment.

Nightguards also provide therapeutic benefits by stabilizing the TMJ and promoting a healthier alignment—similar to how a brace supports a sprained joint. This stabilization can help reduce inflammation, alleviate jaw tenderness, and minimize related symptoms such as headaches or facial discomfort.

It is important, however, to identify and address the root cause of bruxism. For example, sleep-related grinding may be linked to underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, which should be properly diagnosed and managed. In such cases, a nightguard alone may not be sufficient and should not be used as a substitute for appropriate sleep apnea treatment.  

Retainers are essential for maintaining proper tooth alignment following orthodontic treatment. Once active treatment is complete, teeth can naturally shift over time due to changes in the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Retainers help preserve the corrected position and prevent relapse.

Additionally, retainers can benefit individuals who have not undergone orthodontic treatment but wish to maintain their current tooth alignment, as the natural aging process may gradually cause teeth to shift. Custom retainers are an effective and non-invasive way to support long-term stability and preserve your smile.

Athletic mouth guards are custom-fitted, flexible oral appliances designed to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injury during contact or high-impact sports. Fabricated specifically to fit your unique bite, these guards provide superior comfort, stability, and protection compared to over-the-counter options.

Wearing a professionally made mouth guard helps prevent dental trauma such as chipped or broken teeth and soft tissue injuries. They are highly recommended for athletes of all ages who participate in sports like football, hockey, basketball, martial arts, or any activity where facial impact is possible.