Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is a Dental Care philosophy that helps to maintain optimal oral health throughout the course of your life.
Preventive Dentistry is the process of looking at the biology of the disease process in an attempt to recognise and treat the aetiological (causing) factors for each individual person.
How Does Preventive Dentistry Work?
The Dentist will carefully look at the science and current knowledge of the disease processes and use techniques and technology that is current and proven.
Biology involved in the decay process, gum disease and bite schemes need to be evaluated in order to determine treatment programs that will provide our patients with a predictable result, and a life-long outlook.
By identifying the specific factors involved with the problems and making suitable alterations to treatment and home care programs including diet and lifestyle, we can create an environment that prevents future major dental work and enhancing ones well-being. Our programs are aimed at minimal intervention dentistry, and this is shown in the other sections in this category.
Preventive Dental Care is all about preventing and halting decay and gum disease. Preventive Care can be defined as detecting problems at an early stage before invasive dental treatment is required. To do so, a systematic approach to dental care is essential.
At this point in time you will be referred to our Hygienist for a personalised Decay Management Program, which may be as simple as modifying your diet, or as complex as identifying physiological reasons for the decay and recommending medical tests to check for stomach issues.
Your Personalised Decay Management Plan and Report will detail many areas including:
- Your age related decay issues
- Saliva Flow including dry mouth and other medical conditions
- Bacteria Levels including levels of Streptococci Mutans – the main type of decay forming bacteria
- Current Oral Hygiene at home
- Diet including acidic foods and decreasing your sugar hits per day
- Frequency of visits to the Dentist in the past and future
- Existing dentistry and disease (damage already caused)
Your Decay Management Report will be discussed and will make recommendations in regard to preventing future problems through good diet, saliva substitutes, oral home care, mouth-rinses and adjunct treatments. It will make a recommended period for follow-up to ensure the program has been effective at preventing decay.
Advanced Technology in Dental Services
Modern technology and systems are able to make such a big difference. Digital X-Rays. Diagnocam. CBCT. Caries Free Bacteria testing.
Oral Home Care
Essential components of preventive dental care are required at home:
- Good Diet and limiting the exposure of your teeth to sugars and acids
- Routine, thorough brushing – twice daily
- Flossing – twice daily
- Mouth-rinses as prescribed
- Regular checkups
- Detection and Diagnosis
Any invasive or surgical procedure has risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. No dental treatment is suitable for each and every patient. Dentists will only provide care which is suitable to the individual. Patients of Brisbane Smiles must complete examination and consultation appointments to deem suitability for procedures and full informed consent be given by the patient. Photos shown on this website are actual patients. Photos are for general purposes and individual results will vary.