Preventative Dentistry
Learn About Preventative Dentistry in Santa Barbara, CA
The foundation of a beautiful smile is exceptional health. Preventative dentistry at Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS addresses issues that can lead to long-term oral health issues without proactive measures. Through our philosophy of “dental health care” rather than “disease care,” we prefer to act at the first signs of symptoms or discomfort. If you’re experiencing any unusual pain in your teeth or gums, contact our office for an appointment.
Why Preventative Dentistry Is Important?
Preventive dental services treat conditions that can lead to oral issues that might require restorative procedures to return your mouth to full function. By focusing on prevention, you avoid the need for more invasive procedures down the road. During routine visits, we can monitor your teeth and gums’ health, but it’s also a chance to discuss any concerns you’ve noticed in between visits that might require preventative care.
Our Preventative Dentistry Services
We offer a comprehensive suite of services to protect your teeth from damage and decay. Here are the conditions we treat and the services we offer:
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Chronic teeth grinding can cause significant damage to your enamel, jaw pain, and even headaches. We provide custom-fitted night guards and therapeutic solutions to protect your teeth during sleep, preventing the wear and tear associated with bruxism and alleviating the muscle tension it causes.
- TMJ Treatment – Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to chronic jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty chewing. Our practice utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your TMJ issues. We offer personalized treatment plans that may include oral appliances or stress management techniques to restore comfort and function.
- Dental Sealants – Even with diligent brushing, the deep grooves in your back teeth can be challenging to clean and are prone to decay. Dental sealants act as a protective barrier, coating vulnerable surfaces to prevent plaque and food particles from accumulating. This simple, non-invasive procedure significantly reduces the risk of cavities in molars and premolars.
Benefits of Preventative Dentistry
Routine preventative care offers advantages for your long-term health. First and foremost, it helps you keep your natural teeth, which is always superior to artificial replacements. It promotes better gum health, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Remember, paying for routine cleanings and exams, often fully covered by dental plans, is far more cost-effective than paying for restorative services or implants caused by dental neglect. Ultimately, preventive dentistry gives you the confidence that your smile is healthy and bright.
Why Patients Choose Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS
When you choose our dental practice, you’re partnering with a team that values your safety and comfort. Our patients give us excellent reviews and continue to come back because:
- Stratford-Jones and his team are passionate about staying at the forefront of the dental field
- We regularly attend lectures and conventions to master the latest techniques and utilize state-of-the-art equipment
- We offer financing and flexible payment plans to ensure you get the care you need.
- We strive to provide a relaxing, positive experience where you feel listened to and cared for
FAQs
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth where your brush can’t reach. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar fuels the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water also helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated.
Good oral hygiene generally results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. Your gums should be pink and firm, not red or swollen, and they should not bleed when you brush or floss. If you experience persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, or sensitivity, it may be a sign that your routine needs adjustment, and you should schedule an exam.
Yes, children absolutely require preventative care to ensure their adult teeth develop correctly. However, Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS, is a practice focused on adult restorative and preventative care and does not currently offer pediatric dentistry services. You should find a pediatric dentist to handle the unique needs of children’s developing smiles.
Annual cleaning should be scheduled every six months. However, if you have any tooth, gum, or jaw pain, or swollen or bleeding gums between annual visits, contact us for an appointment.
Preventative dental care covers anything that could lead to further complications or disease in your teeth, gums, jaw, or mouth tissue. While we’ve listed our preventative services above, everything we do is to prevent or correct oral health problems in our patients.
Schedule a Preventative Dental Appointment
Cosmetic and preventative dentistry at Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS, are both excellent ways to correct and improve dental issues that cause pain, discomfort, or make you self-conscious while preventing further complications. Contact our office to schedule your consultation and experience the difference that personalized dental health care can make.