Preventive Dentistry Services in Lakeview and Alturas
At Crane Mountain Dental, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family. Family dentistry is focused on preventing potential complications, rather than treating them. If you and your family are in need of professional dental services, we can help!
Preventive Dentistry provided by Dr. Mark Davis in Lakeview, OR and Dr. Dallin DeGraffenried in Alturas, CA at Crane Mountain Dental.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums before problems develop. Rather than treating dental issues after they occur, preventive care emphasizes early detection, routine maintenance, and good oral hygiene habits. This proactive approach not only protects your smile but also helps you avoid costly, complex, and painful dental treatments in the future.
At the core of preventive dentistry are regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year allows plaque and tartar buildup to be removed, even in areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing at home. These routine visits also enable your dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, bite issues, or oral infections before they worsen. When dental concerns are identified early, treatment is usually simpler, less invasive, and more affordable.
Preventive dentistry also plays an important role in educating patients. Dentists and hygienists can provide guidance on proper brushing techniques, flossing methods, and lifestyle habits that may affect oral health, such as diet and tobacco use. This personalized advice helps patients take better care of their teeth between visits.
Benefits and Key Preventive Treatments
Daily oral hygiene is a vital part of preventive dental care. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove food particles and bacteria that cause cavities. Flossing once a day is equally important, as it cleans between teeth and along the gumline where toothbrushes cannot reach. Using mouthwash can further reduce harmful bacteria, freshen breath, and support enamel strength.
Preventive dentistry also includes treatments designed to protect teeth from damage and decay. Dental sealants are commonly recommended for children and teens, as they create a protective barrier over the chewing surfaces of molars where cavities often develop. Fluoride treatments help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks, benefiting both children and adults.
Gum health is another essential focus of preventive care. Gum disease often begins without noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated, it can progress to more serious periodontal conditions that may lead to tooth loss. Regular cleanings and exams help keep gums healthy and teeth stable.
Beyond oral health, preventive dentistry supports overall well-being. Research has shown connections between oral health and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By maintaining routine dental visits and practicing good oral hygiene, patients can support both their oral and general health.
Preventive dentistry is an investment in long-term comfort, confidence, and health. By prioritizing routine care today, you can enjoy a stronger, healthier smile for years to come.
Services We Offer
Periodontal Care
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone. The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.
Cleanings, Exams, And Oral Cancer Screenings
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment with your dentist will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.
Dentistry For Kids
Professional children’s dental care is a crucial part of your oral health. Be sure to schedule your child’s first appointment by the time their first teeth erupt, or before their first birthday. Scheduling regular appointments allows us to monitor the development of their oral health. Developmental problems are easier to treat in the beginning stages. As your child grows older, we can establish a strong foundation for their oral health, one that will ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many of our foods and beverages. It is also a useful tool in fighting tooth decay. Every day, our teeth lose and gain minerals through the processes of demineralization and remineralization. If the process of demineralization exceeds that of remineralization tooth decay will occur. professional fluoride treatment allows us to supplement the process of remineralization and prevent potential decay. It can even reverse minor instances of decay. Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for patients at a greater risk of tooth decay, such as children, teens, and seniors.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. We offer oral appliances to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ.
Periodontal Care
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone. The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.
Cleanings, Exams, And Oral Cancer Screenings
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment with your dentist will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.
Dentistry For Kids
Professional children’s dental care is a crucial part of your oral health. Be sure to schedule your child's first appointment by the time their first teeth erupt, or before their first birthday. Scheduling regular appointments allows us to monitor the development of their oral health. Developmental problems are easier to treat in the beginning stages. As your child grows older, we can establish a strong foundation for their oral health, one that will ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many of our foods and beverages. It is also a useful tool in fighting tooth decay. Every day, our teeth lose and gain minerals through the processes of demineralization and remineralization. If the process of demineralization exceeds that of remineralization tooth decay will occur. professional fluoride treatment allows us to supplement the process of remineralization and prevent potential decay. It can even reverse minor instances of decay. Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for patients at a greater risk of tooth decay, such as children, teens, and seniors.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. We offer oral appliances to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ.