Preventative Dentistry
Preventative Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry Services
for Patients in Hamburg, NY & Beyond

Preventative Dentistry Hamburg, Eden, Lakeview, Blasdell & Springville, NY
We have all heard the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. These words of wisdom are never truer than when they are applied to dental care. What is preventive dentistry? Preventive dentistry can be separated into two broad categories: examination to diagnose dental disease and procedures performed to maintain teeth and minimize risk of disease. 

It can be self-administered through proper oral hygiene at home or by our certified staff in the office. At James M Blake D.D.S., we provide routine dental exams and care to patients of any age to best catch signs of gum disease, cavities, and more. Located in Hamburg, NY, our dental team is proud to serve patients throughout Blasdell, Lakeview, Eden, Orchard Park, Cheektowaga, Springville, NY, and the surrounding WNY areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our preventative dentistry team! 

EXAMINATION

• Complete exams by Dr. Blake, along with proper use of dental X-rays to disclose problems at the earliest possible state when they are easiest and most affordable to treat.
• At times, Dr. Blake may use laser caries detection to aid in determining whether decay exists on the biting surface of the back teeth. 
• Routine periodontal probing of your gums to monitor or detect periodontal disease that can threaten the longevity of your teeth. Sadly, periodontal disease (gum disease) is the most common reason why adults in our society will lose their teeth. It is detectable, and it is typically entirely preventable.
• Examining for the presence of wisdom teeth which may need to be removed to avoid possible trouble with infection, cysts or growths around the teeth, as well as pain and crowding of the teeth. Proper timing of wisdom tooth extraction in a young adult’s life is one of the most important factors in minimizing potential for discomfort or other undesirable results of impacted wisdom teeth and their extraction.
• Examining your bite to determine if there are issues that may cause health, functional or esthetic problems. Proper and timely orthodontic intervention can often help encourage a lifetime of good dental health. Replacement of missing back teeth not only aids proper chewing function, but also supports your occlusion to lessen strain on the jaw joint (TMJ).
PREVENTIVE DENTAL PROCEDURES
• Proper daily homecare should include brushing your teeth in the morning and most importantly before retiring to bed, as well as daily use of dental floss to clean those “between the teeth areas” that brushing alone will not address. This is perhaps the most important thing patients can do for themselves in order to ensure good dental health. Our registered dental hygienists will be happy to show you exactly how to floss your teeth.

• Regular visits for dental cleaning are important for proper maintenance of teeth. These visits will remove the harder deposits of calculus or “tartar” that tend to form on teeth and can trap dental plaque and bacteria against teeth and gums where they can do the most damage.

• Dental sealants are a thin plastic coating used to protect permanent teeth. They may be applied to the biting surfaces of permanent back molars in developing children to minimize decay caused by plaque in those hard to clean deep grooves. They can even be applied in adults who have a higher incidence of dental decay.

• In-office application of fluoride to teeth after they are professionally cleaned is very helpful in discouraging dental decay. In addition, sometimes prescription fluoride can be applied by patients themselves at home when situations occur that place them at risk of dental decay. This might include individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment (where braces make proper brushing more challenging), or adults who take medications or have conditions that cause dryness of the mouth, a condition that greatly elevates risk of tooth decay. 

• Oral cancer screenings are designed to detect any form of cancer before it becomes severe. If there were signs of cancer at the screening, we can begin necessary treatments immediately. 

• Laser decay is now utilized more frequently thanks to advancements in technology. This quick procedure allows us to detect any decay in your teeth before signs begin to emerge. This occurs right in the office and is safe and painless.

• X-rays have long been used to reveal any signs of dental disease that cannot be seen by our eyes. Our Hamburg, NY office is suited for this procedure and can diagnose any disease in minutes. 

Early prevention of conditions like gum disease is crucial to minimizing the damage it can cause to your oral health. Luckily for you, there is a trusted source of preventative dentistry in the Hamburg, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, Eden, Lakeview, Orchard Park, and Springville, NY areas; James M Blake D.D.S., PC! Since 1990, our office has been providing preventative dentistry services such as routine dental exams, oral cancer screenings, and more. Even if your condition is beyond preventing, we can provide you with effective gum disease treatment or another dental service to help improve your oral health. Contact our office in Hamburg, NY today to learn more or to make an appointment!

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