Preventive Dentistry Services

Preventive Dentistry Starts at Home

We offer many ways to stay on top of a variety of different problems that can interfere with good oral health, but at-home care is just as important as the preventative steps we take here in the office. Without consistent at-home oral health hygiene and care, our preventive services will be of little use. Some may already know the requirements for good oral hygiene, and if you have questions, feel free to ask. We’re more than happy to help make sure you’re maintaining as good of at-home care as you are with us in the office. The same goes for kids, too. If you’re having trouble getting the little ones to be smart about oral health, let us help.

For a quick reminder and “cheat sheet,” here are some at-home practices to keep in mind:

• Brush your teeth 2-3 times per day.
• Floss at least once per day, preferably just before bedtime.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash for added protection.
• Avoid foods high in sugar or acidic content.
• Avoid tobacco products.

Oral Cancer Screenings and Lymph Node Exams

Oral cancer screenings are an easy way to make sure that everything looks and feels as it should. An oral cancer screening requires no x-rays or invasive tests. Dr. Willis will simply do a visual and physical exam inside and around your mouth and neck to make sure that there are no bumps, lesions or cysts. Oral cancer screenings really are that simple and can make sure that if something is amiss, further tests can be done immediately to make sure it is not life-threatening.

In terms of checking lymph nodes, Dr. Willis will physically feel nodes in relevant areas to check that it feels right to the touch.

There are some symptoms that may be noticed by the patient outside of our office that could possibly be indicative of oral cancer and should be immediately followed up with your dentist. However, if you discover you are experiencing what appears to be a potential symptom of oral cancer, do not panic. Any symptom can often potentially mean many different things. That said, mouth sores that won’t heal, swollen thyroid glands or lymph nodes, and color changes in and around the mouth can be signs of problems that should be immediately brought to the attention of your dentist.

Teeth Cleaning

Routine cleanings are one of the most important aspects of preventive dentistry. A dental cleaning is a simple procedure that can make sure that any buildup in missed nooks and crannies gets taken care of. Dr. Willis will be able to reach areas that you may sometimes miss when brushing and can give your whole mouth a thorough cleaning that pairs well with at-home hygiene to aid in prevention of dental concerns.

At Burke Dental, exams are conducted with routine cleanings. The cleaning itself involves the removal of tartar and plaque, followed by a polishing of the teeth to remove any remaining stains.

Intra-Oral Dental Examinations

An intra-oral examination is quite simply a thorough examination of the inside of your mouth. This is performed to make sure that there are no lesions, bumps, discoloration, bleeding, or any other suspicious signs of disease, cancer, or other oral concerns.

During an intra-oral exam, the Dr. James Willis may feel inside your mouth and move your lips and tongue as needed to feel and see under them. Dr. Willis will check every area of the mouth for signs of problems. He will be examining the hard and soft palates, the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the cheeks and lips, and, of course, the teeth and gums.

Occlusal Adjustment and Night Guards (Occlusal Guards)

Malocclusion refers to when the teeth are misaligned in that they fail to come into contact correctly and comfortably when chewing or when the mouth is at rest. This can cause a number of issues including wear on the teeth, increased sensitivity, damage to existing dental work, muscle tension, and headaches.

Occlusal adjustment is a way of reshaping the teeth gradually so as to aid in a better bite. By reducing the pressure felt with malocclusion, the above issues can be lessened greatly or eliminated. Similarly, a night guard may be worn to protect against clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth while sleeping. A day guard may also be worn to protect against similar functions during the day.  These habits are common in patients with malocclusion.

Sealants

Sealants are a preventive measure that can be applied to the teeth to help protect from decay. This method works by closing off the tiny grooves in your teeth and creating a smooth surface that is much easier to maintain and keep clean.

The sealant application process is simple and noninvasive. Dr. Willis will apply a gel to clean, dry teeth that will roughen the surface and allow the the sealant to adhere. When the tooth surface is ready, the sealant is then applied and hardened by use of a special dental light.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are especially common for children, and adults can benefit from them as well. Fluoride works by strengthening the enamel of your teeth and helping to aid in decay prevention. While Fluoride is available in toothpastes and mouthwashes, an application of topical fluoride at Burke Dental is able to provide the enamel with a prolonged exposure with better results.

Certain adults in particular, may benefit from fluoride treatments. Those with deeper fissures on the surface of the teeth, individuals who experience sensitivity, or those who are prone to decay or dry mouth can all benefit from adding a fluoride treatment to their regular oral healthcare routine.

Make An Appointment With Burke Dental Today!

Quickly and easily request an appointment online or call us today at (703) 978-6000 to let us get you in charge and on top of your oral health care.

We are located at 9006 Fern Park Drive Ste A, Burke, VA 22015

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