Preventive Dentistry in Port Orange

Catch Problems Before They Happen

Keep Your Smile Healthy

Preventive dentistry is at the heart of what we do at Smillie Dental. Dr. Smillie and our dental team always want to help you avoid and prevent common oral health issues like gum disease and cavities, and we’re committed to offering excellent preventive care for patients of all ages at our office in Port Orange. Contact us now to schedule your next checkup right away.

What Is

Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the practice of providing regular check-ups and other treatments to patients in order to detect potential oral health issues early, take appropriate action, and prevent further complications. Expert preventive care from Dr. Smillie will keep your smile looking great, reduce your risk of oral health issues significantly, and save you a lot of time and money.

Maintain Your Smile

Teeth Cleanings & Oral Exams

Cleanings and oral exams are essential for every patient, and we highly recommend you see Dr. Smillie regularly every six months. During your cleaning, a hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar off of your teeth, polish them, and then floss your teeth to make sure they’re totally clean.

Then, Dr. Smillie will examine your mouth to look for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other common oral health issues, and ensure you have a clean bill of health. If he notices any potential issues, he may schedule follow-up procedures to resolve them, such as a filling for a small cavity.

Look For Hidden Issues

X-Rays

New patients get x-rays at our office, and then x-rays are usually taken yearly afterward. Yearly x-rays let us look for hidden oral health issues that may not be obvious with a visual exam alone.

Get Peace Of Mind

Oral Cancer Screenings

During every six-month appointment, Dr. Smillie will use an intraoral camera to look for signs of oral cancer in your mouth, such as discolored patches of skin or abnormal growths. Oral cancer is quite rare, but is often undetected until it spreads to the rest of your body unless it’s identified by a dentist. Oral cancer screenings give you peace of mind, especially if you’re at high risk due to smoking, excessive sun exposure, and other such risk factors.

Prevent Cavities

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are usually provided to kids who are prone to cavities, but can be used in patients of any age if Dr. Smillie recommends them. In this procedure, a thin layer of liquid resin is applied to the rear teeth. Dr. Smillie uses a UV light to harden the resin into a strong, durable barrier.

Then, the resin protects your enamel from contact with plaque, food particles, and acid, which helps prevent cavities. Sealants can last up to 10 years with proper application, making them a great way to fight back against tooth decay.

Strengthen Teeth

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments use a fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen your teeth. This is applied directly to your teeth by Dr. Smillie, usually after a teeth cleaning. Once it’s been applied, the fluoride will attract minerals to your teeth. This strengthens the enamel, and helps prevent tooth decay. 

Then, the fluoride is rinsed off after about 5 minutes, and you’ll be sent home. The fluoride will continue working to strengthen your teeth, and along with proper at-home oral hygiene, this will dramatically reduce your risk of cavities.