Preventive Dentistry Reston
Keeping Dental Problems at Bay
Our preventive dentistry services are designed to help patients protect their oral health, catch problems early, and avoid more complex treatments down the road. Prevention is always easier than intervention, so Dr. Byars takes a thorough approach to keeping your teeth and gums in the best possible condition. To learn more or schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, just contact our Reston dental office.
Why Choose Sunset Hills Dental Co. for Preventive Dentistry?
- Dentist with 15+ Years of Experience
- Filled with Patient-Friendly Amenities
- Great for Anxious Dental Patients
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental visits at least twice per year. Regular exams and professional cleanings can help to ensure optimal oral health, including checking for concerns like decay and early gum disease, and remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can't address. A comprehensive exam is always performed to make sure nothing is developing beneath the surface. We’ll also remove minor surface stains to keep your smile bright and confident.
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Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, and left untreated, it can lead to serious problems including tooth loss. But when caught in its earlier stages, we can often manage it effectively with a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This removes bacteria and buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums heal and reattach. In some cases, we may also use Arestin, an antibiotic applied directly to the affected pockets to fight bacteria at the source.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our dentist or hygienist through a series of evaluations. We begin by measuring the depth of the gum pockets between your teeth and gums. We also assess for signs of inflammation, bleeding, tooth mobility, and bone loss. Based on these findings, we determine the stage of periodontal disease and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis: The first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed, tender, bleeding gums, and plaque build-up.
- Periodontitis: The second stage of periodontal disease, characterized by plaque hardening into calculus (tartar), gum recession, deepening gum pockets, and early stages of bone loss.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The final stage of periodontal disease, characterized by the destruction of gums, bone, and ligament tissues, loosening and loss of teeth, and more severe bone loss.
Periodontal disease is very treatable but cannot be fully cured. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This removes bacteria and buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums heal and reattach. In some cases, we may also use Arestin, an antibiotic applied directly to the affected pockets to fight bacteria at the source.
The goal of this procedure is to reduce bleeding and inflammation caused by bacteria and tartar, while helping to prevent further bone loss and damage to supporting tissues.
Following completion of your scaling and root planing treatment, you will be placed on a regular periodontal maintenance schedule. These visits include thorough professional cleanings and ongoing monitoring of your oral health to help prevent the disease from returning or progressing.
Oral Cancer Screenings
In the United States, one adult dies every hour from oral cancer. When oral cancer is detected in its early stages, treatment can begin sooner and is typically more effective and less invasive. In later stages, oral cancer is more likely to spread to other areas of the body and may require more complex treatment.
We recommend an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Routine screenings play an important role in early detection and improving outcomes.
During your screening, Dr. Byars will evaluate your mouth, throat, lips, gums, and tongue for any abnormalities. We will monitor you regularly at every checkup and discuss preventative strategies with you. For more information on oral cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment, contact our office here.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, often happens during sleep, meaning many patients aren't even aware it's occurring until damage has already been done. A custom-fitted nightguard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the forces of grinding and preventing further wear. Better yet, unlike store-bought options, our nightguards are designed from precise impressions of your teeth for a comfortable fit you'll actually want to wear!