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PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
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Preventive Dentistry is the most important service we offer. If you can prevent and control tooth decay, gum disease, enamel wear and a number of other degenerative processes, we now believe people can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. This program involves a lifetime commitment to regular and routine checkup and cleaning visits, faithfully following a daily homecare regimen and early treatment of any problems that arise. Most people don’t know this, but dentistry has not always emphasized prevention of tooth loss. As little as two generations ago, few people kept their natural teeth past the age of 50. Prevention was not a part of dental care. Since then, research has uncovered the causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Among the most important advances were a deeper understanding of the gum disease process along with effective gum treatments and Fluoride preparations that could be added to toothpaste and to water supplies. The Dental profession has made a major change toward a heavy emphasis on “Preventive Dentistry” so that now, most dentists have a very proactive Preventive Dentistry philosophy. With proper care, most people can reasonably expect to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. This means the dentist and the patient work together as a team. Very regular visits are needed, depending on your level of health. When tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal (gum) disease and other complications are discovered in early stages, treatment is not complicated and costs less. In our practice, we take Preventive Dentistry to an even higher level. We strongly believe that every person wants to be an active participant in their own dental health, and that you want to learn everything possible to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. This is a process we call “Co-Diagnosis.” We spend a lot of time together on education so you will know how to care for your teeth at home, know what various symptoms and sensations mean, and will have a deeper understanding of WHY we make certain recommendations for treatment and home care. We strive to customize our treatment recommendations to your needs and priorities, and make sure you get exactly what you hope for. Most of our patients are busy business and professional people. Making time for routine dental visits can seem like another burden on your already hectic schedule, so we place a great deal of emphasis on finding appointment times that work for you, running our office on time, and taking insurance paperwork burdens off your back. If you look at the big picture, making a commitment to regular preventive dental care and quality restorative treatment is the most cost-effective way to go. You probably would prefer to avoid time consuming and costly emergency-only based care. So, welcome aboard! If you already have healthy teeth and gums, let us help you keep them that way. If you have problems already, let us help you repair and restore your teeth, then we can work together to keep them healthy. For me, it’s a great time to be a dentist because we can do so much to help and can have such a major impact on people’s quality of life.
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Copyright © 2010 Bruce W. Smith, DDS, Houston Texas. All Rights Reserved. |
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