Preventive Dentistry – Lakewood, CO
I Need a Dental Checkup & Teeth Cleaning
The foundation of our dental office has always been prevention because while we’re capable of fixing even the most complex dental problems, we’d much rather help our patients avoid issues in the first place. To make sure you and your family stay cavity-free, we’re ready to provide thorough dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and many other dentistry services designed to keep your smile safe and healthy year after year. If you’re ready to let us safeguard your smile, just give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Lakewood Complete Dentistry for Preventive Dentistry?
- Stops small problems from becoming major headaches
- Kind, compassionate, & gentle team
- Perfect for patients of all ages
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Twice a year dental checkups and teeth cleanings offer the most conservative and effective way to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease long-term. During your checkup, Dr. Artino will look at your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and existing dental restorations so he can learn everything he can about your current dental health. If he spots a problem, he can recommend treatments to take care of it right away. These routine appointments also give our hygienist the chance to remove harmful plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth, targeting those areas your brush and floss can’t reach at home.
Learn More About Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Dental Sealants
Did you know that the back teeth are the most likely to develop cavities? This is because their rough and pitted surfaces can easily trap plaque and bacteria, plus they are particularly difficult to clean while brushing, especially for young children. To keep these teeth protected, we can apply a thin, clear layer of a plastic-based substance called a dental sealant. It quickly hardens and forms around the tooth, creating an invisible barrier that cavity-causing bacteria cannot cross.
Nightguards for Bruxism
According to research, nearly 1 in 3 people suffer from bruxism, or subconscious teeth grinding and clenching. A common response to daily stress and uneven bite, bruxism can slowly wear down the teeth to the point that they eventually break if left untreated! To prevent this, we recommend that a patient wear what is called a nightguard to bed, which places a protective barrier between the teeth to prevent harmful teeth contact during the night.
Learn More About Nightguards For Bruxism
Mouthguards/Sportsguards
If you or your child regularly participate in sports, then you should definitely be wearing a protective mouthguard every time you play. Up to 40% of all dental injuries stem from sports-related accidents! Rather than trusting your smile to a bulky, uncomfortable mouthguard you bought at the store, Dr. Artino can provide you with one custom-made just for your smile. It will be designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, allowing for easy speaking and breathing, and will be much stronger so it does a great job of keeping your smile in one piece!
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is an often fatal disease that is very treatable when detected early, but its initial signs can be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. To make sure our patients are never caught off guard, Dr. Artino performs an oral cancer screening as part of every regular checkup. The exam itself only takes a few minutes, but it’s the best way to help a patient catch and treat the disease before it is too late.
Fluoride Treatments
For decades, fluoride has been added to toothpaste and public water sources because regular exposure to this mineral has been shown to drastically lower a person’s risk for cavities. However, many people simply do not get enough every day to fully enjoy its benefits, which is why we include a fluoride treatment during routine dental checkups. Our team simply applies a highly concentrated fluoride solution to the teeth for a few minutes, and that’s it! It’s one of the easiest and most trusted ways to help prevent cavities between appointments for patients of all ages.
Children’s Dentistry
We just love serving entire families here in Lakewood, and that includes their youngest members! Whether you have a toddler, teenager, or someone in between at home, your child is always welcome at our dental office! We take time to educate them on the basics of dental care so they’ll form healthy habits that will serve them well into adulthood. Our team goes the extra mile to ensure your child’s comfort while providing the age-appropriate services their growing smiles need!
Gum Disease Therapy
Gum disease is actually the most common dental problem in the United States and is also the number one cause of adult tooth loss! Taking care of the gums is just as important as the teeth, which is why we consistently screen our patients’ gums to achieve optimal health! If we do spot an issue, we have a periodontist (gum specialist) who comes in monthly to provide specialized treatment so our patients always receive the highest quality of care!