Preventive Dentistry in Zachary, LA

Fallin Family Dentistry provides preventive dentistry services in Zachary, LA. If you need to make an appointment, please call our office at 225-654-2212.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry refers to procedures that help to preserve your oral health for years to come. Our dental team provides comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments to help to prevent major issues. Dental diagnosis through digital X-rays is another form of preventive dentistry that helps spot emerging problems before they develop into serious issues.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Spots potential problems like tooth decay and gum disease at earlier stages when they are more treatable
Controls plaque and tartar that could contribute to future problems
Protects your overall health from issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and preterm birth that scientists link to gum disease
Provides at-home care like whitening trays for your teeth's appearance

Why Choose Fallin Family Dentistry?

Our modern, friendly office welcomes patients of all ages. We employ the newest procedures to diagnose and treat dental problems to help keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. Dr. Fallin and Dr. Fallin care about your oral health and want to help you overcome any issues you may face.

Procedures Offered

Dental Exam. Our comprehensive dental exams allow Dr. Fallin to check on your oral health. The doctor examines your teeth, oral cavity, head, and neck for signs of abnormalities or developing problems. One of the key elements of a dental exam is an oral cancer screening. Dentists can more easily treat oral cancer at earlier stages.

Professional Dental Cleaning. Twice annually, patients of all ages need to have the plaque and tartar removed from their teeth. When left alone, plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease. When patients receive regular cleanings, they are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime. In addition, the hygienist will provide expert instruction in home care techniques.

Dental X-Rays. Dental X-rays allow Dr. Fallin to look in hidden places, including between the teeth and inside each tooth. Frequently, she can catch signs of decay before it turns severe and repair it with a small filling.

Home Care. Fluoride treatments give patients of all ages another way to fight against tooth decay. Fluoride hardens and remineralizes the tooth enamel and makes it less vulnerable to plaque bacteria. Fluoride may even be able to reverse some early cavities. At-home whitening trays allow you to brighten your smile comfortably while watching TV, sleeping, or doing your daily business. Custom Night Guards We prescribe custom night guards for patients who grind their teeth and those who suffer from TMJ. Night guards protect teeth from excessive wear caused by bruxism and TMJ and relieve pain.

Custom Night Guards. We prescribe custom night guards for patients who grind their teeth and those who suffer from TMJ. Night guards protect teeth from excessive wear caused by bruxism and TMJ and relieve pain.

Comprehensive Evaluation / Oral Examination

An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Low radiation digital imaging allows for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.

Learn more about Dental Exams

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.

Custom Oral Appliances

Our office can fabricate custom oral appliances that can protect your teeth and gums during sports, alleviate sleep apnea symptoms to provide an open airway while you sleep, or relieve stress on the temporomandibular joint caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Learn more about Custom Oral Appliances

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

Why do adults need fluoride treatment?

You may associate fluoride treatment with children, but adults stand to benefit as well. Adults who receive fluoride treatment have fewer cavities and are more likely to maintain healthy teeth.

When should I first take my child to the dentist?

Ideally, dentists want to see patients when their first teeth emerge. For most children, this falls before one year of age. Early dental exams start with a gentle examination and cleaning to familiarize the child with the process. Over time, the child's exams include fluoride and X-rays. Building a trusting relationship between the dentist and patient later leads to better oral health and lowers the chance of developing dental anxiety.

How effective is at-home professional whitening?

At-home whitening is more gradual than chairside whitening but provides similar striking results. After a few treatments, you can noticeably whiten your teeth. At-home professional whitening provides an attractive combination of safety and convenience.

Why do I need a cleaning and exam every six months if I have healthy teeth?

Every patient's teeth need consistent care to stay healthy. Only a trained hygienist or dentist can remove tartar, which forms when plaque and food harden on the teeth. Tartar causes gum disease that can eventually endanger your teeth. During a twice-annual cleaning and exam, Dr. Fallin can detect hidden problems using a trained eye and X-rays. Treating these problems as early as possible helps to keep your teeth safe well into the future.

Call Fallin Family Dentistry

If you need preventive dental services, we are ready to help you take control of your oral health. Please call our Zachary, LA, office at 225-654-2212 to inquire about our preventive services and make an appointment for a comprehensive exam today.

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