Maintaining a healthy smile for a lifetime starts with a proactive mindset, which is why preventive dentistry is the foundation of everything we do at Broadway Heights Dental. Our dental team in Spokane Valley focuses on stopping dental issues in their tracks, helping you bypass the discomfort of emergencies and the expense of major repairs. With proactive treatments, we're here to help your natural smile remain a strong, beautiful, and functional asset for years to come!
Our top preventive treatments in Spokane Valley, WA include:
Dental Exams
A comprehensive dental exam is the cornerstone of your oral health, serving as a proactive check-up visit to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. During this appointment, your dentist does much more than just look for cavities; they perform a thorough screening of your entire smile, including an oral cancer screening, an evaluation of your bite, and an assessment of your jaw joints.
We'll also check for early signs of gum disease or enamel wear to identify potential issues long before they become painful or expensive to treat. Think of the routine dental exam as a customized roadmap for your smile – it’s our opportunity to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
Professional Cleanings
A professional dental cleaning is an essential treatment that goes far beyond what you can achieve with a toothbrush and floss at home. Even with excellent daily habits, a hard substance called calculus (tartar) can build up in hard-to-reach areas and under the gumline; once this forms, it can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized instruments. Your skilled hygienist will gently remove these deposits, polish away surface stains for a brighter smile, and offer a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. This process not only leaves your smile feeling refreshed but also serves as your primary defense against periodontal (gum) disease and systemic health issues linked to oral bacteria.
Fluoride/Varnish Treatment
A fluoride varnish treatment is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your teeth and provide an extra layer of protection against decay. This treatment helps repair microscopic weak spots before they can turn into full-blown cavities. It is especially beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth, receding gums, or a higher risk of decay, providing a quick, painless, and invisible shield that keeps your smile resilient between visits.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a highly effective preventive treatment designed to shield the vulnerable chewing surfaces of your back teeth from decay. The molars naturally contain deep grooves and pits that are ultra-narrow and nearly impossible to keep perfectly clean. A sealant is a thin, protective medical-grade coating that is "painted" into these grooves, where it bonds to the enamel and hardens instantly to create a smooth, flat barrier. While often recommended for children as their permanent teeth emerge, sealants are an excellent proactive choice for adults who want to avoid the need for future fillings.
Silver Diamine Treatment
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive liquid medication used to immediately stop the progression of tooth decay without the need for drilling or injections. This "no-drill" treatment combines two powerful ingredients: silver, which acts as an antimicrobial agent to kill the bacteria causing the cavity, and fluoride, which strengthens and remineralizes the tooth structure. Because it is simply brushed onto the affected area, it is an ideal solution for young children, patients with dental anxiety, or those with special needs who may have difficulty undergoing traditional restorative work. While SDF will darken the decayed portion of the tooth, it provides a safe, fast, and painless way to "freeze" a cavity in its tracks and prevent it from spreading further.
Desensitizing Treatments
If you experience a sharp zing or lingering discomfort when enjoying cold drinks, hot coffee, or even a breath of fresh air, desensitizing treatments can provide much-needed relief. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when your protective enamel thins or gums recede, exposing the microscopic pores (tubules) that lead directly to the tooth’s nerves. Our professional-grade desensitizing agents work by deep-sealing these exposed pathways or using specialized compounds to calm the nerve’s response to external triggers.
Unlike over-the-counter toothpastes that can take weeks to show results, these in-office treatments provide a more concentrated, immediate barrier, significantly increasing your comfort and allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without hesitation.
Mouthguards for Bruxism
A custom-fit night guard is one of the most effective ways to protect your smile from the damaging effects of bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching. Over time, this causes enamel wear, tooth fractures, and painful strain on the jaw joints, contributing to a disorder known as TMJ.
Unlike bulky, "one-size-fits-all" guards found at drugstores, our professional mouthguards are custom-molded to your specific bite, ensuring a comfortable fit that stays in place all night. Nightguards effectively cushion the teeth and reposition your jaw to allow your muscles to relax, preventing morning headaches, uneven tooth wear, and long-term bite concerns.
Invest in Your Smile with Broadway Heights Dental
Investing in your smile today is the best way to ensure a healthier tomorrow. Our team at Broadway Heights Dental is committed to making your routine visits as comfortable and informative as possible, giving you the peace of mind that comes with a clean bill of health. Don't wait for a toothache to tell you it's time for a check-up – contact us today to prioritize your smile and schedule your next preventive exam in Spokane Valley!
