At Link, Jacobs & Link, we want to ensure the health and wellness of our patients, and one of the ways that we’re able to do that is by identifying risks before they lead to problems like cavities and gum disease. That’s why, at each of your bi-annual checkups, we make sure to thoroughly examine your mouth and get to know a little more about your lifestyle and habits. By doing so, we can help protect your smile with preventive measures, like dental sealants and nightguards, saving you from costly and invasive dental procedures and discomfort down the road.
Just like the American Dental Association, we recommend bi-annual checkups and cleanings with our team. At these appointments, we’ll take routine dental X-rays and conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums in search of any signs of common oral health problems. If we spot anything, we’ll create a treatment plan to address it right away, before it has a chance to progress. To finish your visit, we’ll thoroughly clear all plaque and tartar from your teeth and polish and floss them, refreshing your smile until we see you again!
At each of your checkups, we also conduct an oral cancer screening. It’s a fast and thorough examination of your lips, oral tissues, throat, and tongue in search of signs of this serious disease, like red and white rough patches in the mouth. We conduct these every six months because oral cancer can progress quickly, and the earlier we catch it, the higher the chances of successfully treating it. If we spot anything to be concerned about, we’ll refer you for additional testing.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s produced by rocks and can be found in other items as well, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that it can also help reduce cavities by strengthening the enamel, which is the outermost protective layer of the teeth. If we notice that you or your child may not be receiving enough fluoride in your diet, we can help supplement it with a simple fluoridated varnish that we’ll place on your teeth at your routine cleaning.
Dental sealants are great for children since they’re at a higher risk of developing cavities due to the fact that they’re still learning how to effectively brush and floss their teeth. However, they can also be beneficial for adults as well! They’re a clear, protective coating that we place over the biting surface of molars to keep food debris and plaque from becoming wedged into deep pits and grooves. They can continue protecting you or your child’s smile for years to come with the proper maintenance.
Do you wake up with sore jaw joints or a dull headache? Have you noticed that your molars look flat and worn-down? These are some of the most noticeable signs of a condition called bruxism, better known as nightly teeth grinding. Our team offers durable, custom-crafted acrylic nightguards that can protect your jaw joints from sustaining additional force as well as keep your teeth from becoming broken or damaged.
