Protect Your Smile with Just Two Appointments a Year
The best kind of dental problem is the one that never develops in the first place, and this philosophy is exactly why Dr. Bhalla and the team at Independence Dental place such an emphasis on consistent preventive care. With routine checkups, cleanings, and the other services listed below, we can stop many dental issues before they even begin and treat others during their earliest stages. This way, we can easily keep your smile looking and feeling great for years to come. To schedule your next preventive appointment, contact us today.
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Checkups and cleanings are two of the most effective services we provide every day, and they are also two of the most simple! During a checkup, at Independence Dental Dr. Bhalla will look at your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and existing dental work to make sure everything is in good shape. If she spots a problem, she can work with you to quickly address it so it won’t become a bigger headache later. And with a cleaning, one of our expert hygienists will remove hard to reach plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth to keep you protected from cavities year-round. We recommend that patients of all ages should receive at least two checkups and cleanings each year, or one every six months.
Dental Sealants
Did you know that the back teeth are the most likely to develop cavities? Their rough and pitted surfaces make them particularly hard to clean while brushing, leaving them vulnerable to harmful plaque deposits. To keep them protected, we can apply a clear, thin layer of a plastic-based substance that quickly hardens into place, creating an invisible barrier that harmful bacteria, plaque, and acids cannot cross. Sealants are excellent for children who are still learning how to brush as well as adults who are prone to developing tooth decay.
Nightguards for Bruxism
People have many different responses to daily stress, and for some, it leads to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. For most, bruxism mostly occurs while they are asleep, making it a particularly difficult habit to break! Over time, this can severely wear down the teeth and even strain the sensitive jaw joint. To help bruxism patients rest a little easier, Dr. Bhalla can provide what is called a nightguard, which is a small oral appliance worn to bed that places a barrier between the teeth to prevent harmful contact.
Mouthguards/Sportsguards
Athletes of all ages and levels of play should always wear a protective mouthguard whenever they hit the field, mat, or court. It’s one of the best ways to prevent dental injuries, and research has shown that properly-fitted mouthguards, as in one provided by dentist Plano, can lower an athlete’s risk of concussion as well. Dr. Bhalla can give you a mouthguard that is specially-designed to fit over your particular teeth, which will help it fit more comfortably and do a better job keeping your smile in one piece at the same time.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is an often deadly disease that is actually very treatable when detected early, which is why Dr. Bhalla includes a complete oral cancer screening as part of every regular checkup. During this, she’ll examine your mouth and the surrounding areas for any signs of cancerous or precancerous tissues, such as sores that won’t heal or discolored patches of skin. If she discovers anything, she can help a patient get the follow-up care they need right away.
Fluoride Treatments
You’ll find fluoride added to many toothpastes and community water sources because, for decades, regular exposure to this mineral has been shown to significantly lower a person’s risk of developing cavities over time. However, many people aren’t getting enough daily to keep their smiles fully protected, which is why Dr. Bhalla is ready to offer fluoride treatments during every routine checkup. For this, she simply applies a highly-concentrated fluoride solution to the teeth for a few minutes, which helps replace the minerals in the enamel that have been stripped away by plaque, acids, and bacteria.
Children’s Dentistry
The youngest members of your family are always welcome here at Independence Dental. Our team has years of experience with children of all ages, so we’ll know exactly how to keep your little one calm and cool during their visits. With regular exams, dental sealants, fluoride treatments and more, we can easily put your child on the path for a lifetime of optimal oral health. We’ll also take the time to educate them about how to take care of their smile at home to make your job a little easier!
Gum Disease Therapy
Just like the teeth, the gums can also develop serious problems if not properly cared for on a regular basis. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious bacterial infection that is actually the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., and many people have the early symptoms of it without even realizing it. At Independence Dental, we take gum health very seriously, so we offer regular screenings and multiple treatments designed to catch and eliminate problems as soon as they pop up.