Preventive Dentistry

In Keene, NH

We get it: it can be a bit too easy to put off your twice-yearly dental exam, and we don't blame you—life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Guided biofilm therapy offers a gentler, more precise way to clean your teeth and gums. Using advanced airflow technology, we can target and remove plaque, bacteria, and biofilm from hard-to-reach areas while minimizing scraping and discomfort. The result is a thorough cleaning that feels smoother, more comfortable, and tailored to your oral health needs.

Airflow cleanings use a gentle stream of air, warm water, and fine powder to lift away plaque, surface stains, and buildup from your teeth. This approach can reach areas traditional polishing may miss while reducing scraping and sensitivity. The result is a fresh, smooth clean that feels comfortable and thorough from start to finish.

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.

While often associated with children's dentistry, adults can benefit just as much from this proven preventive treatment. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of your back teeth where decay often starts. Even with diligent brushing, these microscopic crevices can trap food and bacteria. Dental sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that's nearly invisible and can last for years, significantly reducing your risk of cavities. It's a quick, painless procedure that can save you time and money by preventing more extensive dental work down the road. If you're cavity-prone or want to take a proactive approach to your dental health, ask us about whether sealants could be right for you.

Curodont is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that reverses early tooth decay before it becomes a cavity. Using a peptide-based formula, it works with your body's natural minerals to rebuild and strengthen weakened enamel without any drilling or discomfort. It's a straightforward preventive option for patients of all ages, and catching decay at this stage means less treatment, less cost, and more of your natural tooth preserved long-term.

Periodontal charting gives us a detailed look at the health of your gums and the support around each tooth. By gently measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums, we can spot early signs of inflammation, gum disease, or changes that may need attention. It helps us track your health over time and personalize your preventive care before small concerns become bigger ones.

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ Disorder (TMD). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.

We understand the discomfort and pain that TMJ Disorder (TMD) can cause. That's why we're excited to offer Botox as a revolutionary treatment option for our patients suffering from TMD symptoms. Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the jaw, which can significantly reduce jaw tension, headaches, and discomfort associated with TMD. Our experienced team administers this treatment with precision and care, ensuring a comfortable experience with effective results.

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.