Preventive Dentistry in Seymour, TN
Protecting your smile and dental health has never been more critical. We now know that clear links and connections exist between periodontal (gum) health and overall health. Taking good care of your teeth and oral health means that you're also protecting your general well-being.
Preventive teeth cleanings and examinations every six months guard against tooth decay and cavities. We can detect these concerns early when they're easier to treat with a simple procedure like a tooth filling.
Dr. Corey also screens our patients for gum disease during every preventive examination. The earlier we detect gum disease, the more successfully we can manage it with less invasive treatment.
The Oral Systemic Connection
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is an inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that support and surround your teeth. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) impacts your jawbone and can even result in tooth loss in severe cases.
Science has shown us a definite connection between the inflammation that causes gum disease and that which causes other chronic problems like:
- Heart disease
- Complications during pregnancy
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
We understand that the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body and contribute to these systemic health concerns and vice versa. So, if you suffer from gum disease, you might likely encounter other health problems.
How Preventive Dentistry in Seymour Protects Your Smile
When you brush and floss, it can be easy to miss plaque in hard-to-reach places in your smile. During your professional teeth cleaning, our hygienist removes the excess plaque and bacteria that contribute to problems like gum disease or tooth decay.
Our dentists will also perform a thorough oral examination to ensure that your current dental restorations are healthy and functioning correctly. In addition, they will screen you for early warning signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. When we detect problems early on, we can help you save stress, money, and time in the dental chair.
Visit Seymour Dental Associates Every Six Months
The American Dental Association recommends that healthy patients visit their dentist every six months to help them avoid dental problems.
Those managing gum disease may need a few additional teeth cleanings throughout the year. Our dentists will determine the dental hygiene schedule that will help you successfully keep your gum disease under control if needed.
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Cleaning and Checkup?
We're welcoming new patients at Seymour Dental Associates!
Dr. Corey would love to meet you if it's time for your next preventive dental care appointment. Even if it's been a while since you've visited the dentist, you'll find a welcoming, friendly, and judgment-free environment when visiting our Seymour dental office. Call us at (865) 579-3368.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to this question is - yes, definitely! Brushing your teeth combined with flossing is the best way to protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque and bacteria build up after eating meals, and brushing your teeth can only reach your teeth's front and back surfaces. Flossing gets between your teeth, where plaque can hide and build up.
And yes - you can get cavities in between your teeth, so it's important to use dental floss to remove plaque buildup in between your teeth before it becomes problematic.
Flossing your teeth is simple and doesn't have to take a long time. You can use flossers or start with about 18 inches if you're using a roll of floss. Wrap the floss around a finger on each hand so it is taut and gently work it between each tooth in a c-shape motion. Be sure to use a clean piece of floss around each tooth so you're not spreading the plaque to other teeth.
If you have questions about flossing your teeth or using proper flossing techniques, you can contact your team at Seymour Dental Associates or talk with your hygienist during your next dental cleaning.
Preventive dental visits are the key to maintaining your oral and overall health. These visits help protect you from gum disease that impacts your general health by contributing to inflammation in your body that causes problems like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
- Low birthweight babies
- Stroke
Patients managing gum disease may need additional cleanings throughout the year to keep their condition under control. Your Seymour dentist and hygienist will work together to determine how often you should have your teeth cleaned.
Healthy patients can visit their dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups. Our dentists will screen you for problems like tooth decay and gum disease during these visits. The earlier we can detect these concerns, the better your chances are of successfully treating them.
We will also screen you for oral cancer during your preventive exams. Did you know that approximately 11,000 people will die due to oral cancer this year? Unfortunately, oral cancer is often left undetected, which means it progresses and becomes more dangerous before it's ever found. Detecting oral cancer early gives you the best chance of treating it and beating it.
Call your Seymour Dentist at (865) 579-3368 if it's time for your next teeth cleaning and checkup.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Corey Hill
Dr. Corey Hill is originally from Kingston, TN, where he spent much of his time fishing, hunting, golfing, and exploring the outdoors. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2013 and then attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.
After becoming a general dentist, Dr. Corey moved to Virginia Beach, VA, for four years so that he could fulfill his commitment to the US Navy. During that time, he married and now has a son named Jace and two dogs, Archie and Remi.
It was very ...
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Preventive Dentistry Technology
Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays offer a safe and straightforward way for our dentists to obtain the images they need to properly diagnose our patients' issues and help them select the proper treatment for their needs. Digital x-rays emit 90 percent less radiation than the standard films used in the past, and they are immediately available so our dentists can discuss treatment needs with you promptly.
We also significantly reduce our impact on the environment with digital images because we don't have to use hazardous chemicals to develop them.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic x-rays give a full view of your teeth, roots, and jaw joints in one image. Our dentists use this image for planning orthodontic treatment, monitoring wisdom teeth, or as a baseline to monitor your dental health. We typically only recommend taking this x-ray once every five years or as needed for treatment planning.