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General Dentistry in Mountlake Terrace, WA

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Preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to protect your dental health well into the future. With regular preventive care throughout the year we can discover and address emerging problems while preventing future issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Please call Altitude Dental at 425-775-3446 for more information on our services or to make an appointment.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry covers the routine procedures necessary to keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime. Regular dental cleanings, comprehensive exams, dental sealants, and other services help to prevent problems and detect emerging issues so they can receive treatment early on.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

  • Removes plaque and tartar that may cause decay and gum disease
  • Tracks the progress of emerging problems like tooth decay and other abnormalities that are more treatable when caught at early stages
  • Allows safer play for athletes and alleviates teeth grinding with custom-made mouthguards
  • Reduce tooth attrition at night with customized nightguards

Why Choose Altitude Dental?

Preventive dentistry covers the routine procedures necessary to keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime. Regular dental cleanings, comprehensive exams, dental sealants, and other services help to prevent problems and detect emerging issues so they can receive treatment early on.

Comprehensive Oral Examination

Comprehensive Evaluation

A comprehensive oral examination once every six months is the basis of preventive dental care for all patients over 12 months of age. During this examination, Dr. Marcus will check on the current state of your oral health, noting areas of concern. Annually, she will order X-rays to look for hidden problems like tooth decay, cavities, abscesses, and cysts.

Learn more about Dental Exams

Dental Cleaning 

Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings usually take place at the same time as comprehensive oral exams. During a dental cleaning, we will remove all plaque and tartar build-up, expertly floss, and polish the teeth. We will also provide home care instruction.

Dental Sealants

Dental Sealants

Sealants are a plastic material painted onto the molars. They help to seal deep crevices in the teeth, preventing food and plaque from becoming trapped and causing tooth decay. Children and teens frequently receive this highly effective treatment.

Fluoride Treatment

Flouride Treatment

Professional fluoride treatments in the form of gel, foam, or varnish can help to provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.

Custom Oral Appliances

Custom Oral Appliances

We can create a variety of oral appliances that will protect your teeth. Custom appliances from Dr. Marcus fit better and are more effective than over-the-counter versions. In addition to offering custom mouthguards to prevent injury during sports, we also offer custom nightguards to protect your teeth from the effects of teeth grinding or bruxism. 

Learn more about Custom Oral Appliances

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

When should a child start having regular exams and dental cleanings?
Children should see the dentist at about the time their first tooth emerges, generally by the age of 12 months. This early familiarity with the dentist allows your child to become comfortable with the routine and builds a trusting relationship. It also helps to track possible developmental issues.
How effective are dental sealants?
Sealants are a safe material that can protect your child's molars from tooth decay. When applied to healthy teeth, sealants can cut the risk of cavities by as much as 80 percent.
What should I do at home to care for my teeth?
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice each day using a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily, making sure you remove all plaque and food particles. The type of toothbrush you use is less important than using it properly and consistently.
My gums bleed when I brush and floss. Should I be concerned?
If your gums consistently bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis. The first stage of gum disease, this condition means that your gums are inflamed and will soon become infected unless you step up your home oral care habits. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral care, but the later stages of gum disease can only be controlled and may lead to tooth loss.
My teeth are healthy. Why do I need to see the dentist every six months?
Even healthy teeth can develop hidden issues only detectable via X-ray. Signs of conditions like tooth decay and gum disease may be subtle at first and require professional attention. Getting these emerging issues under control as quickly as possible can save time and money, and it may save your teeth as well.

Call Altitude Dental

Preventive dentistry can help your teeth stay healthier for longer. Every family member needs a cleaning and comprehensive exam once every six months. Please call our office at 425-775-3446 to schedule your appointment today.

Contact our office today!

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6100 219th Street SW, Ste. 530
Mountlake Terrace
WA 98043
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