Preventive Dental Care Durham, NC

 

Dr. Brent Blaylock has been serving the families of Durham, NC, and surrounding areas for over 30 years. He provides individualized and comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Preventive dentistry is the foundation of Dr. Blaylock’s dental practice and the key to lifelong oral health.

dentist in Durham NC: Dr. Brent Blaylock

Dental Cleaning & Routine Exams

When you visit our dentist in Durham NC, you will receive a comprehensive dental cleaning and examination. Your visit may include:

  • Professional dental cleaning
  • Dental x-rays
  • Periodontal screening
  • Dental caries (cavities) screening
  • Occlusal analysis to examine the position of the bite

Teeth Cleaning in Durham, NC

Your dental cleaning will be performed by one of our registered dental hygienists. Our hygienists use specialized dental tools to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums, including the places where a toothbrush is unable to reach. These cleanings eliminate a sticky substance called plaque.

If plaque is not removed, it will lead to dental caries. Patients who have their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year will enjoy a healthy, clean smile. A dental cleaning is generally not painful and most patients say they love that clean feeling after the treatment.

Preventive Dental Care

Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to reducing your risk of tooth decay and can provide the foundation for lifelong dental health. Dr. Blaylock recommends that patients follow ADA guidelines when it comes to preventive dental care and visit his office twice a year.

These regular visits enable Dr. Blaylock and his staff to look for signs of instability in the bite and developing dental problems. Addressing dental concerns in the early stages can avoid complex dental problems later on and enable patients to enjoy optimal oral health.

In between your visits to our Durham, NC dentist office, it is important to follow a strict oral healthy routine at home. This includes brushing your teeth after you eat or at least twice a day. It is important that you floss your teeth at least once a day. Throughout the day, food can easily get caught in between your teeth, and brushing alone may not dislodge it. Following a healthy diet and limiting your sugar intake is also an important step to keep your teeth healthy in between your routine dental visits.


Periodontal Disease Prevention

As part of a routine dental visit, Dr. Blaylock will perform a periodontal screening to look for the early signs of gum disease. Treating gum disease early is important to prevent tooth damage or even tooth loss. Gum disease is known to affect approximately 75% of the adult population and remains a leading cause of tooth loss.

Dr. Blaylock offers periodontal therapy to address gum disease, with the level of treatment depending on the stage and severity of the disease.


Preventive Dental Care FAQs

Why is preventive dental care so important?

There are two important reasons everyone should take preventive dental care seriously. The first one is obvious, to prevent dental problems from developing. Preventive measures include cleaning your teeth which removes hard-to-reach, built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth. By doing this, you can avoid gum disease and tooth decay. The second reason is to catch dental problems in the early stages. Conditions like oral cancer and gum disease are treatable when detected early.

How often should I visit the dentist?

The average person should visit the dentist about two times a year. At each visit, our staff will examine your teeth and gums and provide you with a dental cleaning. The dentist will take dental x-rays once a year unless there is a problem. However, if you suffer from frequent tooth decay or periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend dental cleanings and check-ups more often.

Are teeth cleanings painful?

Most patients do not experience any pain during teeth cleaning. For the people that do experience discomfort, it is typically because of poor oral hygiene. The goal of a dental hygienist is to remove all hidden plaque and tartar. This can become difficult if you have not visited the dentist in a while or if you fail to floss and brush your teeth regularly. Proper at-home oral care and regular dentist appointments will ensure your dental cleanings are painless.

Why do dentists use fluoride?

Fluoride is an important part of dentistry because it helps patients maintain good oral health throughout their lifetime. It prevents tooth decay from developing by protecting the teeth from the damage that plaque can cause. Fluoride treatments are common for children who are still learning how to properly care for their teeth and are susceptible to tooth decay.

How can I prevent cavities and tooth decay?

The best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay is to follow a consistent dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse. You should visit the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups every six months. You should also limit sugary foods and drinks that cause tooth decay. Eating a diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and essential nutrients will help keep your teeth healthy as well.

Why is occlusal analysis important?

Occlusal analysis is an important diagnostic tool for dentists. It helps dentists identify any misalignment of the teeth and jaw, which can lead to a wide range of dental issues. Occlusal analysis also provides information about the patient’s bite patterns and can help detect abnormalities such as malocclusion, which can have serious health implications. Additionally, occlusal analysis helps dentists create accurate treatment plans to target specific dental issues.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

We welcome new patients to our Durham dentist office, including those who have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety or fear. Restoring your smile will not only improve oral health but help you to enjoy the best quality of life each day.

Location

3206 Old Chapel Hill Road
Suite 300
Durham, NC 27707

Schedule Appointment

new patients 984-213-4695

current patients 919-493-8036

Hours

Monday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: Closed