Preventive Dentistry – Washington, PA

Catching Problems at Their Earliest Stages

Preserving a healthy and thriving smile is a much simpler task than rebuilding a damaged one later on, and our doctors would love nothing more tha n to be your trusted partner as you work toward this lifelong goal. Our preventive services are designed to not only catch dental problems at their earliest stages, but also stop potential concerns in their tracks before they have the chance to worsen. Contact our dental office today if you are ready to schedule first visits for you and your family! Dr. David Vaughan and Dr. Alicia Yokum look forward to meeting you.

Why Choose Dental Health First for Preventive Dentistry?

  • We Treat Patients of All Ages
  • Early Detection of Cavities
  • Custom Nightguards & Sportsguards to Protect Smiles

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Even patients who practice diligent oral hygiene can end up falling victim to dental problems that evade the untrained eye. That is why attending a routine checkup and cleaning every six months is so important. During these visits, our doctors and staff members work hard to achieve a thorough understanding of your dental needs through examinations, digital X-rays, and screenings. Once we have done so, we can sit down with you and discuss possible treatment options that fit your schedule, budget, and personal preferences.

A cleaning with one of our trusted hygienists is also important when it comes to maintaining healthy, teeth and gums. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, threatening decay, and developing into hard deposits known as tartar. Our staff can thoroughly remove this bacteria-filled substance and keep your smile feeling refreshed.

Kid’s Dentistry

It is never too early to develop a positive attitude toward dental care! Our Washington, PA, staff is happy to see your whole family for comfortable, comprehensive treatment. Our pediatric approach is fine-tuned to be as gentle and friendly as possible, so children feel at ease, and we’ll be sure to let you know if we find any developmental problems or hygiene concerns that need further attention.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that often goes undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages, leading to high fatality rates. Here in Washington, PA, our staff protects patients by providing screenings as a crucial part of every checkup. We carefully inspect the oral tissue for slowly healing sores, white or red patches, lumps, crusted areas, and other symptoms that indicate cancerous cells. If we discover something suspicious, the next step will be a biopsy. If oral cancer is caught early enough, the chances of a full recovery are significantly higher.

Fluoride Treatment

To lower you or your child’s risk of cavities, a topical fluoride treatment can be applied during a regular dental checkup. This quick and simple process takes little time to complete and delivers maximum protection in between appointments. As a natural mineral, fluoride works to penetrate the enamel and strengthen it over time. As a result, it becomes harder for decay to form, effectively keeping smiles healthier.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a simple, painless treatment option that can be perfect for children who are still in the process of learning how to effectively brush their teeth. Some teeth can be tricky to keep clean, especially the ones in the back with deep chewing grooves that catch bacteria and food particles. Dental sealants provide extra protection by “sealing” these areas and minimizing the risk of cavities. They may also be a good choice for adults who suffer from teeth that are oversensitive to tooth decay.

Athletic Mouthguards / Sportsguards

Do you or a loved one play a sport where contact with other people or hard objects is possible? Your smile could be at risk without the proper protection. Our doctors offer quality, personalized sportsguards that are more reliable than the one-size-fits-all models you would find at an athletics store, as they allow for more comfort and ease of movement as you give the game your all.

Nightguards for Bruxism

When teeth grinding and clenching cause jaw pain and frequent morning headaches, it is time to inquire about a customized nightguard. Designed to treat what is known as bruxism, this oral device is worn while you sleep so that your teeth do not touch throughout the night. As a protective barrier that is comfortable to wear, you will notice a positive difference in your sleep patterns as well as the ability to move your jaw more smoothly.

CariFree Prevention System

This unique system helps to treat dental decay without any surgery. As a fluoride-based form of treatment, it is applied to stop demineralization by decreasing the acid inside your mouth. This is an ideal option for anyone who develops consistent cavities. By combining the fluoride gel and rinse, they work together to prevent tooth decay and harmful acids. You can also better protect your mouth with dry mouth spray and xylitol gum.