Preventive Dentistry
Prevent the onset or progression of dental disease
If you haven't seen a dentist in the past six months, Dr. Park and his team at River Village Dental are here for you. We are pleased to offer comprehensive preventive services to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems from developing or progressing. We look forward to laying the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Contact our Chicago practice to get started today!
How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?
Most patients require twice-yearly visits to keep their smiles healthy and prevent minor problems from progressing. However, patients with periodontal (gum) disease or individuals at a higher risk of developing oral health problems may require more frequent visits.
Preventive Services Offered by River Village Dental
The following are some of the preventive services we offer right here at our Chicago practice:
Dental Exams: Your twice-yearly exams begin by taking digital dental x-rays to uncover any early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, and other oral health problems. Dr. Park will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and dental work to rule out any concerns. He will also check the alignment of your teeth and bite and conduct an oral cancer screening to check for abnormal tissues. Our goal is to identify and treat any oral health concerns in their earliest stages, preventing them from advancing and requiring extensive treatments down the road.
Personalized Treatment Plans: After your exam, Dr. Park will share his findings with you. He will work with you to create a custom treatment plan, including comprehensive solutions to address immediate needs and preventive measures needed to safeguard your smile. At River Village Dental, we always welcome your questions and are happy to discuss your treatment options, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your dental care.
Dental Cleanings: We use ultrasonic and hand scalers to gently and effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup around and under your gum line. Next is polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and professional flossing to clean away any remaining debris or plaque in those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
Fluoride Treatments: After your dental cleaning, we may recommend topical fluoride application to strengthen your enamel and reduce your risk of cavities. Fluoride has also been shown to reverse the early stages of tooth decay by replenishing the minerals stripped from the tooth enamel by bacteria and acids in a process known as remineralization.
Patient Education: Patient education is a key component of our preventive care philosophy. Dr. Park and his patient-centered team are always happy to offer guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques and are here to discuss smile-healthy habits for long-term healthy smiles. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Dental Sealants: The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have hard-to-clean grooves and crevices, which is why they are prone to developing cavities. Dental sealants are ultra-thin protective coatings that smooth these tooth surfaces and seal away food particles, plaque, and cavity-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay. We typically recommend sealants when the first and second set of permanent molars erupt around ages 6-8 and 11-13. However, older teens, adolescents, and adults can also benefit from dental sealant placement.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Preventive Care?
Regular preventive care is essential for maintaining long-term healthy smiles. Here are some of its benefits:
- Prevention: Removing plaque and tartar during cleanings lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Fluoride and dental sealants can also help keep cavities at bay.
- Early Intervention: Uncovering dental problems as they develop ensures prompt treatment. This helps prevent minor issues from becoming more serious ones down the road.
- Better Health: Studies show a strong link between gum disease and serious systemic concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, so it is important to maintain your gum health.
- Brighter Smiles: Removing plaque, tartar, and surface tooth stains can leave your smile brighter and your breath fresher.
- Saving You Money: Prevention and early intervention can prevent the need for costly and invasive treatments in the future.
Preventive Dentistry Near Me in Chicago, IL
If you're looking for trusted preventive dental services in Chicago, IL, you've come to the right place. Dr. Park and his patient-centered team at River Village Dental are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We are here to empower you to take charge of your oral health and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
We invite you to call 312-300-7385 to schedule your appointment or book one online today.
Think great dentistry can’t feel like home?
Think again—we’re redefining the neighborhood dentist.
At River Village Dental, we strive to provide our valued patients with the highest quality care in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We work tirelessly to offer a small-town feel in the heart of Chicago, ensuring every visit is comfortable and every smile transformation is remarkable.