Preventative Therapy in Austin, TX

Professional dental cleanings help to prevent tooth decay and preserve and strengthen your gums and teeth. Good dental habits at home are a key part of your overall dental health as well. It is important that you visit our office regularly to keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking clean and beautiful. The bacteria that is present in gum disease is also found in the plaque that causes clogged arteries and heart disease. This bacteria can enter your blood stream through your mouth, so it is important to keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy. We recommend that you visit our office at least every six months for a professional dental cleaning. Our dental team will make sure that you get a thorough cleaning so you can have that “straight from the dentist clean” feeling. Call our office today to schedule your cleaning to keep your smile beautiful!

At Brushy Creek Dentistry, we strive to provide the best dental care possible. We recommend all of our patients have their routine exam and cleanings every year. Depending on the state of your oral health, there are different types of cleanings we offer. We offer routine cleanings for patients that do not show signs of gum disease. For our patients that do show signs of gum disease, we offer different types of cleaning such as deep cleanings and root scaling and planing. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, it is vital that you attend all of your scheduled cleanings. Oral health does contribute to all ares of your health.

Please call our office if you have any questions on the type of cleaning we recommend for you!

This type of cleaning is intermediate between deep and routine.  this type of cleaning is preventative in nature and intended for clients with gingivitis (inflamed & bleeding gums) and is for the removal of heavy build-up of tarter and stain from the tooth structures in the absence of periodontal (gum) disease. It is usually done if someone hasn’t had a cleaning in a year or longer.

A “deep cleaning” is the commonly used term for a procedure that will allow our dentists or hygienist to remove tartar, plaque, or calculus that has built up on your teeth and/or below the gum line. This procedure will allow your gums to heal and begin to become healthy again. Just like the foundation of a house, your gums are the base of every healthy, beautiful smile. A deep cleaning is the first step to better overall health.

After you have completed this deep cleaning, more frequent cleanings may be required. These more frequent visits are sometimes known as periodontal Maintenance visits, where our team will focus on the health of your gums and soft tissue to ensure that the healing is progressing properly.

Fluoride is often used in cavity prevention in several ways. The first is in our drinking water. Many cities have a fluoridated water system that provides this protecting mineral in our drinking water. It is also used in dentistry in fluoride toothpastes as well as fluoride pastes or gels applied by a dentist. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Duffin use fluoride as a part of a preventative dentistry philosophy that focuses on education and building healthy dental habits. Read below to find out what the American Dental Association says about Fluoride on their patient education website, MouthHealthy.org:

”Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for good reason. Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay. “

Fluoride benefits both children and adults. Here’s how:

Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit.

After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a “topical” benefit.”

There are tiny grooves and pits on some teeth that can make it difficult to keep food and plaque from causing decay in your child’s teeth. A Dental Sealant will allow our team to essentially “seal out” these harmful “sugar bugs” and drastically reduce the risk of decay and the need for fillings. This treatment is fast, effective, painless, and can be completed in one visit. Our dentists will perform a routine cleaning, and then the teeth to be sealed will be conditioned and dried. The sealant material is flowed into the grooves of the tooth and then allowed to harden while your child is still in the office.

There is no shot, no scary “drill” and most patients experience no pain. These sealants can preserve your child’s teeth or yours for many years if they are cared for properly.

Digital x-rays are used in our office to help our dentists identify and diagnose potential concerns or needs for treatment. At Brushy Creek, we use the latest in digital technology. This technology allows us to get the best possible image, without the need for film or the harsh chemicals used to develop it. It also produces far less radiation than previous x-ray machines. In fact, the amount of radiation from an image on a modern dental x-ray machine is about the same as you would get walking to your car. We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the best, safest equipment is being used to ensure the highest quality of care.

Athletes are being asked to wear a mouth guard in almost all competitive sports. When worn properly, these appliances can drastically reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and gums. At Brushy Creek Dentistry, we offer custom fit mouth guards, that will be made to fit your child’s teeth exactly by a dental professional. Our team will take a custom mold of your child’s teeth, from which we will create a mouth guard that will fit tightly and comfortably and protect your child’s teeth, jaws, and gums. Call or text our office today to ask how we can help protect your young athlete’s mouth and keep their smile healthy and white!

Early detection and preventative care are key to most successful dental treatment. Your natural teeth are going to be far stronger, more functional, and much more comfortable than any dental appliance or restoration. Because of this, our dentists believe in the importance of educating his patients to ensure that they are prepared to make the best decisions regarding their oral health. We will help you develop healthy habits that can lead to years of beautiful smiles. We take the time to make sure that you understand your role in the ongoing battle to keep your smile clean and healthy. Call or text our office today and schedule your visit with our team of caring dental professionals.