Preventive Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO
Dental conditions like cavities and gum disease don't develop overnight; you may have them for a while before they become symptomatic and you realize they exist. The benefit of dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months is that your dentist and hygienist can detect them long before you can and change course to get your smile back on track before it impacts your oral health.
What's Involved with Preventive Dentistry?
At the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS in Fort Collins, CO, preventive dentistry begins with routine exams and teeth cleanings. For many patients, we suggest these appointments every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association; if you have gum disease or a history of cavities, you may benefit from more frequent visits.
If it's been more than six months since your last dental exam and cleaning, we would be happy to help you schedule an appointment!
Dental Exams with Our Fort Collins Dentist
If you've been disappointed by the lack of personalized service at a large corporate dental office, visiting Dr. Rush will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Our dental practice is relationship-based, and we always take time to get to know the unique person behind the smile. Dr. Rush is the sole owner of our dental office, and you can expect to see him every time you visit our Fort Collins dental office.
During your examination, he checks your mouth for signs of gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums. He looks for signs of cavities, cracked and broken teeth, and excessive dental wear and carefully notes and records the condition of each tooth. He also checks to see if your jaw joints (TMJ) and dental bite are functioning correctly.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Read below to learn about some of the benefits of Preventive Dentistry!
Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Regular cleanings, exams, and good oral hygiene habits help catch and prevent issues like cavities and gum disease before they become serious.
Saves Money on Future Treatments
By addressing problems early, preventive care reduces the need for costly, extensive procedures like root canals, extractions, or restorative treatments.
Promotes Overall Health
Good oral health is linked to better overall health, reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and infections caused by poor dental hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several different types of dental x-rays, but the most common are bitewings that should be taken yearly. Bitewing x-rays show an image of both upper and lower teeth in one part of the mouth. Bitewings help us find decay and changes in bone that indicate gum disease. We also commonly use bitewings when preparing tooth restorations like crowns and bridges.
What We Look for on Routine Dental X-Rays
- Tooth decay, especially the areas between teeth
- Cavities beneath existing fillings
- Condition of dental fillings
- Jawbone loss
- Root canal infections
- Position of teeth for implant placement
- Cysts and tumors
Other Types of Dental X-Rays
At the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS, we use only low-dose digital radiographs (x-rays) for our patients’ safety. Here are some of the other types of x-rays we commonly use:
Periapical x-rays show the whole tooth from the crown to the point where it is attached to the jaw. These x-rays are commonly used as needed for restorative dentistry or when we need a single image of the entire tooth structure.
Panoramic x-rays give us a single continuous image of your entire mouth, including all teeth in your upper and lower jaws. With panoramic x-rays, our dentist can view teeth that have emerged and teeth still in the gums, such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Are You Due for Your Next Dental Exam?
We only take dental x-rays as needed, and when we do, our dentist will explain why and how it will benefit you. If you have other questions about dental x-rays or would like to schedule your next dental exam, please call our Fort Collins, CO dental office.
Most patients visit their dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. This schedule has been shown to lower cavity risks and help prevent other oral health conditions like gingivitis and gum disease.
Six-month teeth cleanings are for patients with healthy smiles. If you have specific dental health issues, your Fort Collins dentist may recommend more frequent visits, especially in the case of gum disease, which can threaten your overall health and cost you your teeth.
Your Professional Teeth Cleaning in Fort Collins, CO
Your teeth cleaning is a chance to relax in our comfy dental chair. While you recline, the hygienist gently uses special tools to rid your teeth of tartar buildup, thereby lessening the odds of oral health complications.
Between dental checkups and teeth cleanings, adopt an excellent oral care routine. You enjoy excellent dental health for life through your efforts and ours.
Is It Time for Your Teeth Cleaning in Fort Collins, CO?
If you have not been in to see us in a while or if you’re looking to establish dentistry in our area, give us a call today. Additionally, reach out if you ever have questions about your oral hygiene or our dental treatments.
Most charcoal toothpastes rely on abrasive particles to remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco. This can make teeth look temporarily brighter. However, this same abrasiveness can also wear down tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. Once enamel is lost, it does not grow back, and teeth may become more sensitive, more yellow-looking (as the underlying dentin shows through), and more prone to cavities.
Another concern is that many charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a key ingredient that strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. Without it, your teeth may be at a higher risk for cavities over time, even if they appear cleaner or whiter on the surface.
For most patients, charcoal toothpaste is considered safe for occasional use, such as once or twice a week, but it is not recommended as an everyday toothpaste. People with sensitive teeth, gum recession, or existing enamel wear should be especially cautious.
The safest choice for daily brushing is a fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by dental associations. If whitening is your goal, Dr. Rush can recommend enamel-safe whitening products or in-office treatments that are both effective and protective of your oral health.
Call Our Dentist in Fort Collins, CO
If you’re unsure whether charcoal toothpaste is right for you, talk with your dentist or hygienist. Our team can help you choose the best option for your smile!
Gum Disease Prevention & Treatment
Gum disease or gingivitis is an infection or inflammation of gum tissue that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease is widespread and affects half of all US adults over age 30, partly because most people don't realize they have it. Sometimes there are no symptoms, or they are so mild they go unnoticed and untreated.
If you want to protect your gum health, it's wise to know the symptoms and call us promptly if you notice any of them.
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Gums that are tender to touch
- Gum recession
- A change in your dental bite
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
Teeth Cleanings with Our Hygienist
Routine dental exams are one part of prevention, and teeth cleanings with a hygienist are the other. If you have no history of gum disease or cavities, every six months is ideal; if you're prone to either problem, we will likely recommend more frequent visits. The goal is that by seeing you more often, we can prevent them from developing or treat them promptly if they do.
Gum disease is reversible in its early stages, so it's crucial to follow through with routine cleanings even if your teeth and gums feel okay. If we detect gingivitis, our hygienist will develop a plan to treat it and get your gum health back on track.
Preventive Dentistry Works!
The bottom line is that preventive dentistry works. As with any general health concern, it's always best to nip problems in the bud before they worsen and become complex and costly to treat. Left untreated, gum disease can not only lead to oral health consequences like tooth loss, but it also puts you at increased risk for serious conditions like heart and lung disease, diabetes, and numerous other disorders.
Teeth cleanings and exams are easy, take up little of your time, and can reap enormous benefits for your oral health.
Book a Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning in Fort Collins, CO
If it's been longer than six months since your last teeth cleaning, call the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS to schedule an appointment.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Ryan Rush DDS
Dr. Rush knows that receiving dental work is rarely anyone’s favorite activity. But because he knows it is necessary, he does all he can to make the experience as comfortable as possible. By seeking first to understand each patient’s concerns and desires, Dr. Rush can cater each treatment plan to help patients achieve their optimal oral health and appearance goals.
After being raised in the midwest, Dr. Rush graduated from Brigham Young University and continued on to receive his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of ...
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Preventive Dentistry Technology
Intraoral Cameras
Your dentist obtains invaluable information about your dental health simply by performing a visual examination of your mouth, but intraoral cameras take the process to a new level.
An intraoral camera is shaped like a wand, so it fits comfortably in your mouth. As Dr. Rush moves the camera, the digital images appear on your chairside monitor so that you can follow along. You can see what he sees as he points out cavities, cracked teeth, broken fillings, and other issues that need our attention.
The benefit is that you are an active participant in your oral health and treatment planning. When Dr. Rush recommends a crown or a filling, you can understand why and how it will benefit your oral health.