Preventive Dentistry – Tucson, AZ
State-of-the-Art Preventive Care
Dr. Lopez considers himself to be an “end-of-the-road” dentist – the kind you visit when other dentists have been unable to solve your dental problems. However, he firmly believes that the best solution for any oral health issue is to avoid it entirely! Call us today to schedule an appointment for preventive dentsitry in Tucson, AZ, including dental checkups and teeth cleanings. By visiting our dental office every six months, you’ll be giving your smile the best protection possible against cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Why Choose Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC for Preventive Dentistry?
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Dentist with a
Step-by-Step Approach - Dental Office That Accepts All PPO Dental Insurance
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Focus on Solving
Aesthetic Issues
Dental Checkups
& Teeth Cleanings
You might think that you’ll know immediately when something is wrong in your mouth, but sometimes, small cavities and mild gum disease can start to form without you even realizing it. Regular checkups allow us to identify these issues as early as possible so that they can be treated right away. Also, the cleanings we provide will remove plaque and tartar from the hard-to-reach spots in your mouth that you haven’t been able to clean while brushing.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Habitually grinding your teeth at night can lead to dull morning headaches, frequent jaw soreness, and long-term dental damage. If any of this sounds familiar, make sure that you’re well-protected against bruxism by asking Dr. Lopez for a custom-made nightguard. It will be similar to oral appliances that you can find at the store, but it will be designed especially for your mouth so that you can stay comfortable at night while also remaining confident that your teeth will be as safe as possible.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep. This is a common issue among people of all ages. Some common causes could include stress, abnormal bite, missing teeth, and sleep apnea. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to excessive wear and tear of the teeth and jaw pain. Many people are unaware that they even have bruxism until complications arise. Here are some common signs and symptoms of bruxism that you should be aware of.
- Wearing of the teeth
- Fractured teeth and fillings
- Grinding noises
- Facial muscle pain and aches
- Locking, cracking, and clicking of the jaws
- Frequent headaches
- Tired or stiff jaw muscles and joints
Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguards
Nightguards are customized appliances that are typically worn during sleep to prevent clenching and grinding. They work by keeping the bottom and top teeth from coming into direct contact with each other. This takes the pressure off the teeth at night, helping you to achieve more quality sleep without risking your oral health. There are two main types of nightguards to choose from.
- Store-Bought
- One-Size-Fits-All: The first over-the-counter option takes a one-size-fits-all approach. These products are designed to fit most mouth types.
- Boil-&-Bite: This type of nightguard softens when boiled, so you can bit into it to create a better fit for your smile.
- Customized
- In the case of a custom nightguard, we will take a professional impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab where your nightguard will be made just for you. During your next dental visit, you can confirm that the guide fits as it should.
The Process of Getting a Nightguard
During your appointment, we will examine your smile and make impressions of your teeth so your appliance can be personalized for optimal comfort and effectiveness. We will send the impressions to the dental lab to custom-make your nightguard. This way, you can be confident that it will fit perfectly. When it’s complete, you will need to return to our dental office to try it on. Final adjustments can be made if needed, and then you can enjoy restful sleep without putting your oral health at risk.
The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard for Bruxism
There are many benefits that you can experience by wearing a nightguard for bruxism. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Teeth Protection: Nightguards protect the teeth during sleep, minimizing and preventing damage.
- Customized: Nightguards are customized for your mouth, so they will fit perfectly.
- Healthier Teeth: By reducing grinding and clenching, you can reduce wear and tear of the tooth enamel.
- Improve Breathing: Over-the-counter nightguards can restrict your airflow. Since our nightguards are customized, you don’t run into this issue.
Caring for Your Nightguard
Proper maintenance is necessary to keep your oral appliance in good condition. You will receive a plastic case to keep your nightguard in a safe place when it isn’t in use. You should rinse and brush your appliance after each use. When doing so, consider the following.
- Use only clean, cool water to wash your nightguard
- Don’t use a denture cleanser
- Don’t use hot water for cleaning
- Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning
- Don’t keep your appliance in direct sunlight
Fluoride Treatments
Is there enough fluoride in the water that you drink or the toothpaste that you use? You don’t want your teeth to become more vulnerable to decay due to a lack of fluoride exposure. If we feel that your smile could use a little extra protection over the next six months, we’ll apply a special fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth. The process only takes a few minutes, and your teeth will quickly start reaping the benefits once they have had a chance to absorb the mineral.
Oral Cancer Screenings
While we’re checking for decay and infection, we might also find warning signs of something even more serious. Every exam includes an oral cancer screening where we look for unnatural lumps, white or red patches on oral tissues, and other possible indications of oral cancer. While smokers and alcohol-users have the highest risk, anyone can suffer from it – and you’ll give yourself the best chance of survival if you have it caught and treated early!