General & Family Dental Care
in West Knoxville
Benefits of Dental Exams & Cleanings
Preventative cleanings are the best way to maintain your oral health and catch dental problems before they become serious. No matter how carefully you brush, it’s nearly impossible to remove all of the buildup on your teeth. Not only does a dental hygienist have the tools to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria, but they can also monitor for early warning signs of gum disease and oral cancer. Most insurance plans cover two dental checkups per year. Make the most of that benefit by scheduling an appointment today!
Preventative Dentistry Treatments
Exams & Cleanings
A dental exam takes about 45 minutes. Our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. We’ll check for cavities and other signs of tooth decay, and we’ll inspect your teeth gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease. At Turkey Creek, we bring the latest technology to West Knoxville preventative dental care so you can enjoy a comprehensive and pain-free cleaning.
We also offer in-office fluoride treatments to protect your teeth against cavities. Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and slows the buildup of bacteria. The American Dental Associate (ADA) recommends professional fluoride treatments at least once per year and more often for patients at high risk for cavities.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a popular preventative dentistry procedure. Although many people think of sealants as similar to fillings, the key difference is that sealants are applied before tooth decay begins. A sealant is a protective plastic resin that goes over the chewing surface of the back teeth to shield them from plaque buildup. After the first day or two, the mouth adjusts to it and patients don’t even notice it’s there.
While adults can receive dental sealants, the treatment is ideal for children. Sealants have to go on before cavities form—otherwise, a filling is needed. As soon as a child’s permanent molars appear, usually around the age of six or seven, they are eligible for sealants. Many insurance plans cover this procedure at little to no cost. Call our office to schedule!
Deep Cleaning
Sometimes a regular dental checkup isn’t enough to thoroughly clean all affected areas of the mouth. If a patient has buildup below the gumline, heavy inflammation, or other signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning.
Deep cleanings are sometimes called scaling and root planing. During this process, we’ll remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth roots. At Turkey Creek Dental, we recommend this procedure as a nonsurgical option to treat periodontal disease. If you have concerns about your gums or increased sensitivity in your teeth, give us a call to discuss the possibility of deep cleaning.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
At your preventative dental checkup, we’ll recommend X-rays to examine the structure of your teeth and look closely at deep pockets where the gum tissue has receded. We’ll also use a dental probe to measure the pocket depth between your teeth and gumline.
Although gum recession is common, it’s unwise to ignore it. Periodontal disease can exacerbate other health conditions, lead to infections, and—in severe cases—cause tooth loss. We’ll consult with you to recommend the best treatment, ranging from a deep cleaning to a tissue graft that prevents the problem from worsening.
