Preventive Dentistry

The preventive dentistry services available at the office of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, focus on lowering your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications. Dr. Wilmore offers preventive dental exams for children and adults. She screens for early signs of gum disease and oral cancer and also provides comprehensive cleanings to keep your teeth white and bright. Call the Houston, Texas, office to schedule a preventive dentistry exam, or book a consultation online today. 

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry includes services that lower your risk for tooth decay and diseases that negatively impact your oral health.

Dr. Wilmore provides a range of preventive dentistry services for adults and children, including:

• Dental checkups
• Dental cleanings
• Oral cancer screenings
• Gum (periodontal) disease evaluations, and therapy

The office also features advanced technologies like intraoral cameras that take high-quality images of the inside of your mouth to identify cavities and other issues that affect your oral health.

Dr. Wilmore also uses noninvasive DIAGNOdent™ laser technology to assess the mineral content of your teeth and identify decay in hard-to-see areas of your mouth.

When should I schedule a preventive dentistry appointment?

You should schedule routine dental checkups at the office of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, every six months, even if you aren’t experiencing any unusual symptoms.

These visits give Dr. Wilmore an opportunity to identify cavities and other issues in the earliest stages – when treatment is most effective.

If Dr. Wilmore discovers underlying oral health issues, she customizes a care plan to treat them before they worsen. You may need to schedule additional appointments for root canals or other treatments you need.

Your preventive dentistry appointment is also a great time to discuss your options for improving your smile with professional teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What happens during a preventive dentistry exam?

Your preventive dentistry exam at the office of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, includes a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Dr. Wilmore screens for signs of oral cancer and gum disease, two conditions that can lead to tooth loss and other long-term complications.

During routine checkups, Dr. Wilmore also thoroughly cleans your teeth and gums to lower your risk of decay, infections, and gum disease. She can also apply sealants to the chewing surface of your teeth that provides a protective barrier against cavities.

If you have symptoms of gum disease, Dr. Wilmore discusses your options for treatment. She can’t reverse existing gum damage but provides therapies that prevent the disease from progressing.

Available gum disease therapies include antibiotics, plaque removal (scaling), and laser therapy. Dr. Wilmore can also refer you to a periodontist for surgery if conservative treatments aren’t working well.

Call the office of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, to schedule a preventive dentistry exam for yourself or your child, or book an appointment online today.