Top Preventive Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ

Preventive Dentistry Service

Many people mistakenly believe that tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease are simply a part of life. They don’t have to be! Our family dental practice emphasizes prevention, meaning that we partner with our patients in the defense against common dental problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Our family dentists and our hygienists can help you maintain an au naturel smile that you’ll be flashing well into your golden years.

Our talented hygienists in Scottsdale, AZ can thoroughly clean away plaque and tartar during your scheduled cleaning, leaving your smile feeling polished and refreshed.

We recommend that patients of all ages attend at least two dental check-ups and cleanings every year, or one each six months. These visits are important because many potential dental problems can linger under the surface of a seemingly healthy smile, and early intervention is the best way to protect your oral health from more extensive damage and decay down the road. During your visit, one of our experienced doctors will closely examine each of your teeth, you gums, your jaw, your bite, any existing restorations, and more to gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs. Advanced digital imaging will help as well by showing us what can’t be seen with the naked eye. Once our Desert Vista Dental team has all of the information we need, we can make personalized recommendations for any needed restorative or cosmetic care.

One of the most common threats to your oral health is the development of plaque, a sticky, bacteria-filled substance that’s constantly forming on tooth surfaces and threatening to cause decay. While plaque can be removed easily with diligent brushing and flossing, missed areas will develop into the much harder tartar, which can only be removed through professional means. Our talented hygienists in Scottsdale, AZ can thoroughly clean away plaque and tartar during your scheduled cleaning, leaving your smile feeling polished and refreshed.

Dental sealants are a great preventive option for both children who are still learning how to brush and floss correctly and adults who struggle with teeth that are oversensitive to tooth decay.

Our doctors paint these sealants directly over the deep chewing grooves of back teeth, creating a barrier that keeps food out and reduces the risk of cavities. The application process is quick and comfortable, and sealants can last for several years with good oral hygiene at home and regular check-ups.

Woman Brushing Teeth

Studies have shown that fluoride both strengthens growing teeth and aids in the remineralization process of decayed enamel, reducing the risk of cavities.

Did you know that drinking water from fluoridated sources can have positive effects on your oral health? Studies have shown that fluoride both strengthens growing teeth and aids in the remineralization process of decayed enamel, reducing the risk of cavities. Sadly, the popularity of water bottles has virtually eliminated fluoride from the diets of many patients. If our doctors determine that you or your children aren’t receiving enough fluoride from day to day, we may recommend professional applications at our Scottsdale, AZ location.

Patient Undergoing Oral Cancer Screening

Our doctors use OralID fluorescence technology to carefully scan your mouth and distinguish abnormal cells from healthy ones. While oral cancer is most common in patients who drink and/or smoke heavily, studies show that nearly 25% of those diagnosed don’t participate in any known risk factors. That’s why attending undergoing regular screenings at Desert Vista Dental is so important for your oral health and your overall wellbeing. Our doctors use OralID fluorescence technology to carefully scan your mouth and distinguish abnormal cells from healthy ones. If we locate a suspicious area, a biopsy can be arranged to determine whether or not oral cancer is present. 

Did you know that periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States? Our doctors take this threat very seriously, which is why periodontal screenings are a vital part of your routine appointments here in Scottsdale.

Did you know that periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States? Our doctors take this threat very seriously, which is why periodontal screenings are a vital part of your routine appointments here in Scottsdale. If we determine that your mouth is under attack from infection, we offer several revitalizing therapy options that can give you back your valuable oral health and help you smile brighter.

How do i know if I’m suffering from periodontal disease?

Common symptoms of periodontal disease include the following:

  • Oral bleeding that happens when a patient is brushing or flossing.
  • Gum tissue that seems excessively red, swollen, or tender.
  • A receding gum line (teeth that appear longer over time).
  • Severe bad breath that doesn’t respond to brushing/flossing/mouthwash use.
  • A change in the way your bite fits together.

However, it’s important to remember that in some cases, patients may not experience any noticeable signs of a problem until their case has already reached an advanced stage. That’s why attending routine check-ups with a trusted dental team like ours is strongly recommended.

Scaling and Root Planing

Once periodontal disease has progressed past the initial stages, the bacteria that are gathered at and under the gum line will need to be removed through an in-depth cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Our team members will use specialized tools to eliminate areas of built-up plaque beneath the tissue (the scaling portion) and smooth away rough spots that have formed on the tooth roots, which can be magnets for dangerous bacteria (the planing portion). This procedure can help your inflamed gums heal without requiring more involved surgery.

Soft Tissue Laser

At Desert Vista Dental, our team is dedicated to constantly improving the care of our valued patients through new techniques and technology. The Odyssey® Diode Laser is a big part of this promise, eliminating traditionally invasive gum flap surgery and replacing it with a safer, more precise method that eliminates infection while minimizing bleeding and improving healing time.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotic therapy may be recommended as an addition to the above therapy methods, as a stand-alone treatment, or even as an important part of your routine cleanings. During your appointment at our Scottsdale office, our doctors will apply ARESTIN® medication directly above and below the gum line, allowing the antibiotic to directly kill bacteria and facilitate more successful healing of the gum tissue.

If constant headaches and facial pain are regular parts of your daily routine, you may be suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding) or the more dangerous TMJ disorder, which involves malfunctioning jaw joints.

If constant headaches and facial pain are regular parts of your daily routine, you may be suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding) or the more dangerous TMJ disorder, which involves malfunctioning jaw joints. Thankfully, these conditions can be alleviated with the help of a customized oral appliance from our Scottsdale office. Nightguards are designed to protect teeth from the ill effects of grinding as patients rest easy, while an occlusal splint can be used to gradually reposition your jaw and provide relief from an improper bite.