In any medical field, preventing health problems is crucial to a healthy life. Dentistry is no exception, and our dentist provides the care necessary to prevent oral health problems. Evan Hathaway, DDS, PA provides preventive dentistry in Eagle, Meridian, Boise, and the surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment today for help in keeping your smile healthy.

Examinations

The core of preventive dentistry is a dental examination. If you visit a dentist at least once every six months for an exam, then health problems affecting your smile can be noticed early, when they are at their easiest to treat and manage. Our dental practice in Eagle conducts thorough dental exams to closely monitor your oral health. Dr. Hathaway will spot and point out any decay, gum disease, or other developing health concerns. From there, he will provide treatment and coordinate care with specialists as needed, in order to foster your best health.

Standard and Deep Cleanings

After each examination, the teeth need to be cleaned to promote their continued health. Depending upon your particular needs, Dr. Hathaway and his staff can perform a standard dental cleaning or a periodontal deep cleaning. A standard deep cleaning is the simple removal of any plaque that currently rests on your teeth. Plaque is a buildup of oral bacteria and food particles, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Plaque can be kept off the teeth with daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash rinsing, but the buildup can still occur in areas that are hard to reach. The standard cleanings found at our dental practice eliminate any remaining plaque that may not have been addressed. A periodontal deep cleaning, also called scaling and planing, is when Dr. Hathaway removes plaque and tartar. Any untreated plaque turns into hard calculus over time, and this occurs both above and below the gum line. This procedure is needed when the early signs of gum disease are noticed, but a deep cleaning can prevent the advance of gum disease.

Antibiotic Treatments

Sometimes, a patient requires additional assistance for their gum disease case than a periodontal deep cleaning. Their susceptibility to gingivitis or periodontitis might be high enough that reoccurrence is more likely to happen than not between dental appointments. In these cases, Dr. Hathaway may prescribe antibiotic treatments that slow the development of gum disease. This additional care helps your smile stay healthy until our dentist can see you again.

Contact Us for Preventive Dental Care

Evan Hathaway, DDS, PA offers preventive dentistry near Eagle. From children as young as three to their grandparents, we can help the entire family keep their smiles healthy. For more information, call our practice and schedule your next appointment today.