Preventive treatments are essential for keeping your smile looking and feeling its best. Preventive care is affordable, covered by dental insurance, and helps you save time and money by avoiding dental issues like cavities and gum disease. At West Central Dental, we offer:
Comprehensive Cleanings and Exams
Fluoride Treatments
Dental Sealants
Periodontal Care
Even the most thorough brushing and flossing can not replace professional cleanings and regular check-ups. During your routine visit, we will be able to meticulously clean your smile and ensure that it looks bright and feels healthy. Routine cleanings will help us catch any potential issues early before they become bigger, more costly problems.
During routine appointments, we will clean hard-to-reach surfaces where plaque and tartar like to hide.
Fluoride treatments have the unique ability to remineralize and strengthen enamel, keeping your teeth cavity-free.
Comprehensive cleanings are good for your teeth and your gums, and they help prevent bacteria build up which can cause gum disease.
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At West Central Dental, we treat patients of all ages, including kids! We offer gentle pediatric cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. The first sign of a cavity is a “soft spot” in your enamel. This indicates decay, which can be reversible with a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has the unique ability to “remineralize” and strengthen tooth enamel, preventing cavities from forming. Dental sealants are also a good choice for children who are prone to cavities. Our doctors will apply a liquid dental resin to the rear molars, which will harden and prevent the teeth from coming in contact with sugars, acids, and other bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects nearly half of American adults, but many don’t even know that they are suffering from the condition. When bacteria builds up in between teeth, it can begin to attack the gums. This bacteria is easily removed during a routine cleaning, but if left untreated, it can cause bleeding when you brush and floss, inflammation and swelling of your gums, or a receding gum line. If you notice any of these signs of periodontal disease, it is important to schedule a visit as soon as possible.
TMJ/TMD refers to a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and is located just underneath each of your ears. TMJ/TMD can be caused by:
Some cases of TMJ/TMD can be easily addressed with anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and a bite splint or night guard. If you notice pain or tenderness in your jaw while chewing, clicking noises while moving your jaw, or if you experience jaw locking, you may have TMJ/TMD. Come in for a consultation so we can help you get relief from your discomfort.
Sleep apnea is a problem that affects millions of Americans, yet many are unaware that they have the condition. Sleep apnea can result in low-quality sleep, which can lead to drowsiness or even put you at risk of a stroke or heart attack. If you snore, wake with a headache or sore throat, or toss and turn in the night, you may be a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea can often be treated with a CPAP machine or a mouthguard, which helps to keep your airway open throughout the night. In some rare cases, oral surgery may be necessary. It is best to come in for a consultation to see which treatment may be right for you.
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It is important to see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Coming in every six months may seem time-consuming, but in the long run, it will save you time and money. At these appointments, Dr. Olness or Dr. Jake will be able to catch any potential issues while they are still easy to treat. Many minor dental issues don’t have any noticeable symptoms until they become more serious problems that require multiple appointments and more costly care. Regular cleanings keep your teeth clean and free of plaque, which helps to prevent issues from ever forming.
According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, infants should see the dentist by age 1 or within six months after their first tooth erupts. Familiarizing your child with their dentist from an early age helps to prevent dental anxiety and establishes strong habits like proper brushing and flossing. During your child’s first appointment, one of our doctors will gently clean their teeth (or tooth) and gums, answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral development, and explain how best to care for their teeth. Bringing your child to the dentist frequently and from an early age encourages strong oral hygiene habits for lifelong dental health.
At West Central Dental, we focus on preventive care as the first line of defense in preserving a healthy, beautiful smile. During a routine visit, you will be greeted by a member of our staff who can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Next, your teeth will be cleaned and Dr. Olness or Dr. Jake will closely examine your smile. If any issues are present, he will address them and work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that accommodates your schedule and budget.
We encourage our patients to ask questions at any time during treatment to ensure that you feel knowledgeable and confident that you're getting the best to care for your smile.