Preventive Dentistry – West Lake Hills, TX
Necessary Care That Keeps Your Smile Healthy
Even with the best at-home oral care routine possible, brushing and flossing are only one part of keeping your smile free of harmful decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Thankfully, getting these treatments done is not only easy, but affordable as well. Through dedicated exams, teeth cleanings, and oral cancer screenings, you'll be doing both your oral and overall health a big favor with Dr. Long by your side. Give our dental office a call and we’ll help you get scheduled for preventive dentistry in West Lake Hills, TX.
Why Choose Westlake Hills Dental Arts for Preventive Dentistry?
- Exceptional Care Personalized to You
- Friendly Dentist and Team
- Sedation Options Available
Dental Exams
& Teeth Cleanings
Regular exams, x-rays, and teeth cleanings are important not just to confirm that no dental issues are present, but so we can determine that your brushing and flossing routine are keeping plaque, tartar, and gum disease at bay. During your exam, we look at your teeth, gums, oral tissue and other areas as well as address any dental concerns you may be experiencing. Following your exam, a hygienist performs a thorough teeth cleaning and polishes your teeth.
Learn More About Dental Teeth Cleanings & Checkups
Nightguards
for Bruxism
Did you know that many people don’t realize they have bruxism until they are told they have it by a dentist? When teeth grind and clench, usually throughout the night when sleeping, it damages enamel and puts it at higher risk of cracking or chipping. Our custom-made nightguards are not only strong, comfortable, and protective, but they are substantially more effective and more durable than store-bought options. We’ll ensure your future nightguard fits your teeth like a glove so you can sleep soundly, knowing your teeth are protected.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Approximately 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. The most common reason people develop serious stages of oral cancer is that they weren’t able to catch it sooner. When caught early, oral cancer becomes significantly more treatable. That’s why we always perform oral cancer screenings in Austin as part of your routine exam. Dentists are in a unique position to catch the early stages of many systemic conditions, including life-threatening ones like oral cancer.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
It’s important to recognize the various signs that indicate oral cancer, some of which include:
- Discolored red and white patches of tissue
- Oral sores that will not heal after a few weeks
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Trouble swallowing
- Facial numbness that includes the lips, face, and mouth
- Thick lumps throughout the mouth
- Mouth pain
What Does a Dentist Look For During an Oral Cancer Screening?
When Dr. Long is checking for oral cancer, she is looking for anything that causes alarm, such as many of the abnormalities previously listed. Dental professionals are trained to detect oral sores, discolored patches of tissue, facial asymmetries, and hard lumps during a patient’s mouth examination. If any are detected, she will recommend additional testing from a local physician.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
While X-rays and intraoral cameras can detect small areas of decay, damage, and improper alignment, a visual examination is best for oral cancer screening. During your dental checkup, Dr. Long will begin to scan and feel your mouth, neck, and throat for any signs that might indicate oral cancer.
She will closely examine your teeth, tongue, oral tissues, throat, facial features, lips, and neck, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities that stand out.
You should not worry about feeling any pain, as this is a completely painless process. It often takes only minutes to complete, and if Dr. Long finds anything concerning, she will discuss her findings with you before referring you to an outside specialist.