Preventive Dentistry in Nampa, ID

Protect Your Family’s Smiles at Premier Dental Care

You and your family need a dentist who prioritizes your long-term dental needs. Not only is routine oral health care vital for maintaining your smile,  but it also creates a foundation for a healthy mouth, saving you from painful and expensive issues in the future. That’s why Dr. Joel Bingham works hard to protect your teeth and gums from oral health problems using preventive dentistry techniques.

Continue reading to discover how you can benefit from our preventive dentistry services.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the routine maintenance of your teeth, gums, and mouth to prevent oral health problems like gum disease or tooth decay.  We’ll meticulously clean your teeth and check for any underlying oral health problems during your routine oral hygiene appointment. Dr. Bingham recommends scheduling preventive appointments at our Nampa office at least twice a year to keep your smile sparkling. 

We schedule these appointments to ensure your mouth is free from:

• Plaque — This thin, white layer of bacteria hides in the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth and becomes solid. 
• Tartar — Plaque hardens into this sticky substance that causes your gums to separate from your teeth. 

Both plaque and tartar cause several problems, such as periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. These are the most common causes of tooth loss in adults, so preventive dentistry can help you retain your teeth. 

Our Preventive Dentistry Services

Professional Cleanings

Alongside daily brushing and flossing at home, you can keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria at bay by visiting our office for professional teeth cleanings. During these cleanings, we’ll brush and floss your teeth using special dental tools that can efficiently remove harmful bacteria. We’ll ensure your mouth stays looking and feeling healthy. 

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer can manifest subtly, and many patients don’t notice the signs until they’re severe. Thankfully, most cases are treatable when they’re caught early. That’s why our dentist recommends you visit our Nampa, ID office at least every six months. We’ll examine your lips, gums, tongue, and throat to ensure we catch any signs of oral cancer. In cases where we notice any irregularities, we’ll refer you to a specialist to diagnose and treat your oral health. 

Scaling & Root Planing

When our patients show the beginning signs of periodontal disease, the first treatment we opt for is scaling and root planing. Our dental team performs this quick procedure using their years of experience and specialized tools. Scaling involves using these tools to remove tartar and plaque from any pockets that are beginning to form between your teeth and gums. 

We’ll move on to the root planing procedure once we’ve cleared the cause of any infection. Root planing involves a dentist smoothing your tooth root, keeping bacteria out of any tiny, hard-to-reach areas beneath your teeth. Together, the procedures keep you from losing your teeth and suffering from tooth and gum pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit my dentist?

It’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year or once every six months for your biannual checkup with your dentist. That way, our team can confirm that your teeth are in good shape and that there aren’t any dental issues. During these visits, patients will receive an exam, professional cleaning, and a necessary oral cancer screening. If there are any issues detected, you may need to visit our Nampa, ID practice for further treatment.

Is brushing and flossing enough to keep your teeth clean?

While having a consistent oral hygiene regimen can help strengthen your teeth and prevent further issues such as decay, it doesn’t replace professional dental cleanings by Dr. Bingham at our Nampa, ID office. Our team uses advanced dental tools and technology to ensure that your smile is healthy. Additionally, we have the necessary experience to detect and treat any dental issues.

What causes cavities and tooth decay to develop?

Cavities and tooth decay happen when bacteria laden plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and are allowed to sit. The bacteria found in plaque and tartar feed on the sugars you eat which produces acid as waste, and erodes your enamel. Other causes include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• High-sugar diet
• Stress
• Smoking
• Genetics

Adults also tend to develop cavities around old fillings, which may become cracked or loose and allow bacteria to penetrate the enamel. Another common form of tooth decay in adults is root cavities. Root cavities are likely to occur in adults who have receding gums due to age or gum disease.

Does insurance cover preventative dentistry?

Most dental insurance companies either partially or fully cover preventative dental care. This means services like routine exams, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings won’t cost you anything out-of-pocket. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to get an accurate understanding of your coverage.

Give Your Family Confidence In Their Smiles With Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry allows our team of dental professionals to keep a close eye on your teeth and oral health. We’ll always clean your teeth thoroughly before our dentist examines them for any signs of disease, decay, or oral cancer. As a result, these regular examinations can help you keep your teeth and mouth in the best health possible. 

Your family will love the confidence they gain in their smiles with regular oral hygiene examinations at Premier Dental Care. To schedule a consultation at our Nampa, ID dental office, contact us at 208-466-6161 today.