What Is Comprehensive Dental Care and Why Is It Important?

When you think of going to the dentist, what comes to mind? Most people think of teeth cleanings—but that’s a preventive service that’s just brushing the tip of your tooth, so to speak! Comprehensive dental care takes your oral health further. But what is comprehensive dental care? Read more to learn what’s involved in comprehensive dentistry services and how you can access affordable dental care at Penn Dental Medicine.

Preventive and Comprehensive Dental Coverage: Understanding the Difference

The difference between preventive and comprehensive dental care is that preventive care focuses on preventing dental problems before they start. Comprehensive care is used to diagnose and treat existing dental problems.

What Is Done During a Preventive Dental Exam?

Preventive dentistry is all about maintaining dental health through education. Oral hygiene practices at home and yearly visits to the dentist are both considered preventive because they help you avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other oral conditions. Preventive care is extremely cost-effective, costing 43% less than what you could end up paying for dental treatments such as cavity fillings that could have been avoided. Your dentist can provide preventive services such as:

• Dental cleaning: Even patients who brush daily need annual dental cleanings to prevent cavity formation. Most cleanings are performed by dental hygienists, although in more complicated cases, the dentist may provide this service. The hygienist will use a scaler instrument to scrape the plaque from the teeth. A vibrating ultrasound device may also be used to clean more effectively. Additionally, a polish is applied to strengthen the teeth against future buildup.
• Fluoride treatments: You may already know that your toothpaste contains fluoride, but did you know that dentists can administer a more intensive fluoride treatment in the office? Fluoride is the most effective preventive treatment to guard against cavities. Remineralization is a naturally occurring process aided by the presence of fluoride. Once it’s applied, the fluoride will catalyze calcium and phosphate concentration in the teeth, which makes them more resistant to dental caries.

What Are Comprehensive Dental Services?

A comprehensive dental exam provides a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, jaw, and associated structures. During the exam, the dentist will look for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other abnormalities. X-rays may also be taken to help detect issues that are not visible during a traditional exam, such as fractures or infections below the gum line.

What Does Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry Mean?

Comprehensive restorative dentistry refers to the treatment of certain oral and dental conditions. Structural problems, such as damaged or missing teeth, can be addressed through treatments that seek to restore proper functioning to the teeth, including:

• Dental crowns: crowns are used to protect a weakened tooth and restore appearance, size, and strength. A dental crown may be recommended after another procedure, such as dental implants, bridges, or root canals. Crowns can have cosmetic purposes, such as to cover over a disfigured or discolored tooth. They may be made of different materials, depending on where they are to be placed in the mouth.
• Bridges: a dental bridge is another treatment for missing teeth. Based on two or more crowns on the neighboring teeth (the anchoring or “abutment” teeth), a bridge literally extends over the gap caused by the missing teeth. It is held in position by the natural teeth or implants on each side of the gap.
• Dental implants: a dental implant consists of a titanium base that fuses with your jawbone after implant surgery. Once this anchor is established, the false tooth can be placed. Dental implants provide the most healthy option for tooth restoration because the titanium anchor actually stimulates natural bone growth in the jaw.

Where Can I Receive Affordable Comprehensive Dental Care Services?

You can get numerous dental services at one affordable clinic: Penn Dental Medicine. Our dental clinic is able to deliver high-quality preventative services, comprehensive dental coverage, and restorative treatments because we operate out of a dental school. All procedures are performed by dental students in their final stages of training who are overseen by experienced dentists at the forefront of their field.

To learn more about the many comprehensive dental services we offer, please call Penn Dental Medicine at 215-898-8965. Additionally, if fear or a lack of affordability has kept you from seeking the oral healthcare you need, there is a solution! Download our free eBook, “The Affordability of Truly Comprehensive Dental Care: How to Secure a Patient-Focused Dentist Office,” to learn more about where to find and how to afford quality dental care.