Preventive Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

There are many different facets of dentistry, just check our website and you will see we offer a variety of care options such as Preventive Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry and more. The overarching goal of any dental visit is the healthy structure and function of the mouth, however, when it comes to your mouth there is no substitution for regular for consistent care both at home and in the office.

Quick Fact: The CDC predicts 91% of adults over 20 have cavities at some point in their lives.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive Dentistry revolves around the idea of maintaining a healthy mouth through routine appointments and at home care. It is a combination of regular check-ups and developing healthy mouth care habits.

We know that prevention works. There is no substitution for preventative care. Getting ahead of dental issues is the only way to create and maintain a healthy mouth.

1. Professional Cleanings– Experts recommend a visit with a professional dentist every six months, more often if you have ongoing or previous issues. We’ll help get you on the best schedule to achieve and maintain your goals. The most important part of your regular visit remains the thorough dental cleaning that our hygienists provide, ensuring all plaque, stains, and tartar build up are removed.
2. Preventive X-rays– X-rays allow us to see beyond your gum line to check if any major changes or problems are on the rise. Sometimes these alert the dentist to the beginning stages of more serious conditions.
3. Orthodontic Screenings- Orthodontic screenings check if your bite or bone structure needs correction.
4. At Home Care– Brush two times a day for two minutes, plus floss and mouthwash regularly. Further, following a healthy diet plus drinking adequate amounts of water will keep your mouth healthy.

Pro Tip: Healthy habits start from a young age. Encourage your children to participate in healthy habits by setting good examples. Good habits last a lifetime, so it’s important that you get your kids on the path to success as soon as possible. We recommend that children have their first visit with us before the age of one. We’d love to see your little ones at any of our offices. 

Quick Fact: Dental cavities are the number one chronic infectious disease of childhood, reports the CDC.

What is your Role in Preventative Dentistry?

• Brush Two Times a Day
• Floss Daily
• Use Mouthwash
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Use a mouthguard during certain sports
• Use a mouth guard if you grind your teeth
• Schedule and maintain all your appointments

Quick Fact: According to the CDC, 27% of adults over 20 have untreated cavities.

What are the Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?

• Lowers your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and more serious dental issues
• Promotes good oral health habits
• Early identification of problems, helping to avoid both invasive and costly procedures
• Helps reduce dental problems associated with chronic illnesses.

Preventative Dentistry and Insurance Coverage

One enticing reason to participate in preventive dentistry is most dental insurances cover the cost associated with your appointment. Our patient support team is always willing to help estimate cost associated with preventive dentistry care. If you are uninsured we can help with that as well, learn more about our in-house dental plan, Commonwealth Cares.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry focuses on restoring functionality and appearance to damaged, missing, or infected teeth. Mouth maintenance is so important when it comes to preventative dentistry care, however, we recognize that not all situations result from improper care.

At some point in their life, almost everyone will need to have restorative work done on their teeth. Sometimes our teeth breakdown for a variety of other reasons despite our best efforts. These include age, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. It is also important to note emergency dental care often cannot be avoided. However, in most instances preventative dentistry is the best way to ensure a healthy smile and a lower bill.

Common Restorative Dentistry Treatments

• Fillings– Fillings restore the strength and structure to damaged teeth
• Crowns– Crowns provide reinforced strength and stability to chipped, broken, or severely decayed teeth and they look attractive to making them aesthetically appealing as well.
• Root Canals– A root canal is simply a restorative dental procedure that is used to save a tooth that is infected or severely decayed.
• Implants– Dental implants are the most reliable way to permanently replace damaged or missing teeth.
• Dentures– Dentures remain the easiest and best way to address missing teeth. They are removable, painless, flexible, and a less-expensive alternative to surgery.

One major difference between preventive dentistry and restorative dentistry is cost. There is almost always a cost associated with restorative care. For more information check out Understanding Dental Cost. Here we go into more detail regarding each procedure and the cost associated.

 

Preventative dentistry often thwarts the need for restorative care. In short, a great preventive care routine usually saves both time and money in the long run. What strategies will you implement to ensure a healthy smile? Make sure to add scheduling your next dental cleaning with us to the list.