Preventative Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

There are a few different types of dentistry, two of which are preventative dentistry and restorative dentistry. Each type has a different goal and purpose.

Preventative Dentistry

The goal of preventative dentistry is to maintain a healthy mouth with regular appointments and a dental hygiene routine. Preventative dentistry includes treatments such as:

• Professional teeth cleanings every six months, or more often if you are prone to cavities, have sensitive teeth, or other issues. Your dentist will let you know how frequently you should visit.

• Preventative X-rays which allow your dentist to see inside the teeth and underneath the gums to check for small cavities, infection, developing permanent teeth, or impacted teeth.

• Orthodontic screenings, in which your dentist checks your bite, teeth, and bone structure to determine if you need orthodontic care.

• Personal dental hygiene routine which includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash if you need it.

You play an important role in your own preventative dentistry. A diligent dental hygiene routine removes plaque and bacteria at the end of the day, which prevents decay from forming.

Restorative Dentistry

The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore decayed, damaged, or dead teeth back to a healthy state, in whatever way possible. Treatments in restorative dentistry include:

• Fillings to remove decay and restore a tooth’s strength.

• Crowns to fix a chipped, broken, or severely decayed tooth and restore its strength.

• Root canals save a tooth that is infected or has decay reaching all the way to the root.

• Dental implants are the most effective way to permanently replace damaged or lost teeth.

Are you unsure whether you need preventative or restorative dental care? Call Perry Dental & Perry Dental Kids in Perry, Utah; we can help you find out!