There’s no way around it: keeping your teeth and gums in good shape requires regular maintenance. Though they aren’t the most exciting, cleanings, exams, and other preventive dental services allow our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dentists to help you avoid possible issues in the future as well as keep already present conditions from worsening.

Learn more about what we offer our patients below.

Preventive Dentists Jacksonville And Live Oak Florida

Plaque, naturally, builds up on teeth and around the gum line. If left for too long in one spot, it can transform into stubborn tartar. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are all recommended by our dentists but at-home routines can’t eliminate everything, especially tartar. That’s where professional cleanings performed by our dental hygienists come in every 6 months.

Performed in combination with teeth cleanings, oral exams involve our hygienists and dentists inspecting teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of decay, disease, or abnormalities. Dental X-rays are also periodically used to identify hidden issues with the jaw or tooth roots. These exams are essential for early detection of dental problems and allow for timely intervention and treatment.

The main goal of TMJ disorder treatment is to alleviate the pain and discomfort felt as a result of dysfunctional temporomandibular joints. Non-invasive, non-surgical approaches commonly used by our dentists include lifestyle changes, such as stress management and dietary adjustments, along with physical therapy, jaw exercises, and the use of oral appliances like bite splints.

Unfortunately, advanced forms of gum disease can’t be reversed but the condition can be routinely managed by our dentists so it doesn’t progress further. A primary treatment used as part of periodontal therapy is scaling and root planing which is essentially a deep cleaning above, around, and below the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, it’s likely that your breathing is interrupted countless times during a night’s rest. This can ultimately leave you feeling irritable and excessively tired when you wake up. To help, our dentists offer sleep apnea treatment which involves creating a custom oral appliance for you to wear while in bed.

Over time, constant grinding and clenching can do damage to your teeth. Most patients unconsciously engage in this behavior when they sleep which makes it hard to avoid or control. Easing the discomfort felt the next day and protecting your teeth is made easier with a personalized night guard that is customized to your unique dental anatomy.

Make an Appointment

Our dentists in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, are here to take care of individuals and families of all ages. We’re accepting new patients at both locations so if you’re in need of a checkup, call Higgins & White Dentistry today or request an appointment online.

Get Started Today

Whatever you need for your smile to shine its brightest, we’re here to provide that for you. Request an appointment!