Preventive Dentistry in Arlington, VA

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s oral health is scheduling twice-yearly dental checkups. Along with good oral hygiene, dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile for adults and children. 

Why Preventive Dental Care Is Important

Regular dental checkups at Clarendon Family Dentistry are essential, even if you already brush and floss conscientiously. These routine visits allow your dentist in Arlington, VA, to monitor your oral health, catch potential problems early, and avoid the need for complex dental work in the future. 

Schedule Your Next Routine Checkup

Don’t wait until you have a problem to see a dentist. Call our Arlington, VA, dental office at (703) 522-8894 to book your next checkup. We proudly serve patients from Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Annandale.

Here’s what to expect during your dental exam at Clarendon Family Dental: 

• Discuss Dental Concerns — First, we’ll ask if there have been any changes since your last visit or if you have specific concerns you’d like to address.
• Visual Examination — We carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. We also check the condition of existing dental work to ensure it’s in good shape. 
• Oral Cancer Screening — Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for the best outcomes. We look for unusual lumps, sores, or discolorations in your mouth that could indicate a problem.
• Bite and Jaw Evaluation — Proper jaw and bite alignment support excellent oral health. Dr. Mooney will evaluate how your teeth fit together and check your jaw joint (TMJ) for any issues.

We use intraoral cameras and digital x-rays to see what we can’t see with a visual exam and educate you about your oral health needs. Understanding treatment recommendations is much easier when you can see what your dentist sees. 

After the exam, Dr. Mooney will discuss her findings with you and develop a personalized treatment plan if necessary. We consider your unique needs and work together to ensure the best care.

Professional cleanings are a vital part of preventive dentistry. Here’s what you can expect during your hygiene appointment: 

Using specialized tools, we floss your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially in areas hard to reach with at-home oral hygiene alone. Then, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking brighter and feeling smooth and fresh.

Understanding Gum Disease

If your hygienist detects signs of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, they will recommend treatment to prevent it from advancing. Gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, is reversible with a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis and is not reversible; however, we can prevent it from worsening with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing and more frequent hygiene appointments. 

Additional Preventive Treatments

At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we offer various treatments to protect your oral health:

• Fluoride and Sealants — These treatments strengthen teeth and provide extra protection against cavities for children.
• Custom Mouthguards and Nightguards — Custom-fitted mouthguards protect teeth during sports activities and nightguards for patients who grind their teeth to prevent tooth damage.