Preventive Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale

Why the routine visit earns its place

Cavities, cracks and gum disease are all quiet in their early stages. By the time a tooth is sensitive to cold or a gum bleeds every morning, the problem has usually been developing for months. A preventive visit exists to find those things while the fix is still small — a sealant instead of a filling, a filling instead of a crown, a deep cleaning instead of periodontal surgery.

What is included in a preventive visit

• Comprehensive exam — every tooth, existing restorations, bite, jaw joint and soft tissue.
• Professional cleaning — removal of the plaque and calculus that brushing cannot reach, above and just below the gumline.
• Digital X-rays — lower radiation than film, and visible on screen immediately so you can see what the doctor sees.
• Periodontal measurement — pocket depths charted so gum health can be tracked year over year rather than guessed at.
• Oral cancer screening — a visual and physical check of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth and throat.
• Fluoride or sealants where they are indicated, most often for children and for adults with a history of decay.

How often you actually need to come in

Twice a year is the common default, and it is right for many people. Patients with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar, dry mouth, diabetes, or who smoke are often better served every three to four months. That interval is a clinical decision made with you, not a scheduling policy.