Preventive Care
No one wants to deal with a cavity or a missing tooth. Therefore, although Dr. Stephen K. Malone is always ready to provide restorative treatment, his primary goal is to keep dental problems from occurring. Along with his entire team, he offers outstanding preventive care at his Knoxville practice. Through routine exams, cleanings, and other treatments, he wants to help you and your family maintain your healthy smiles. He can also guide you in good at-home hygiene to enhance your long-term dental health. To learn more about preventive care, or to schedule an exam, contact Dr. Malone’s office today.
What Is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is routine care, designed to stop problems before they start. Through ongoing maintenance, Dr. Malone tries to combat two primary problems.
- Dental decay: Cavities result from the interaction between sugar and bacteria. When these two substances come together, they form acid, which will erode your dental enamel. As this protective barrier wears away, it allows bacteria to come in contact with the softer underlying layers of your teeth. As it does, a cavity will form.
- Gum disease: Oral bacteria does not only affect your teeth. As they multiply, bacteria will spread below your gums. Bacterial pockets will form in the soft tissues. Over time, these pockets will grow leading to discomfort, tooth loss, gum recession, and jawbone degeneration.
With regular care, Dr. Malone and his team can eliminate harmful bacteria. They can also detect the earliest signs of decay and gum disease. In this way, they can reduce the need for extensive restorative treatment or periodontal therapy.
In-Office Preventative Treatments
For optimal dental health, Dr. Malone offers a wide range of preventative services. Routine cleanings and exams are fundamental. At each visit, one of our friendly hygienists will clean your teeth using gentle, effective techniques. Then Dr. Malone or his associate, Dr. Dickenson, will conduct an exam. We will use advanced technology, including bitewing x-rays and panoramic x-rays, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. Your dentist will also conduct a visual scan to look for signs of oral cancer. Other preventative treatments include sealants and fluoride treatments. Although these are usually considered pediatric services, they are often suitable for adults, as well.
Candidates for Preventive Care
Everyone deserves outstanding preventative treatment. Even adults who are missing all of most of their teeth are still susceptible to gum disease. Therefore, they should receive regular check-ups. Dr. Malone can look for signs of periodontal disease and make recommendations for proper care. Children will also benefit from good preventative treatments. As soon as their children develop their first teeth, parents should schedule a dental appointment. Dr. Malone can monitor dental development, and he can teach both parents and kids about proper dental care.
Schedule a Preventive Care Appointment
To schedule a preventive care exam for yourself or your child, contact Dr. Stephen K. Malone today. Our office is located in Knoxville, and we proudly serve patients from the surrounding communities, including Powell, Karns, Farragut, Seymour, Maryville, and Oak Ridge.