Preventive dental treatments consist of protective applications aimed at safeguarding the oral and dental health of children and adults. At the core of this approach lies reducing the risk of developing problems that could affect oral and dental health, supporting the maintenance of existing oral and dental health, and enabling early intervention when necessary.
Preventive dentistry does not consist solely of procedures performed in a clinical environment. Regular oral care, correct eating habits, check-ups appropriate for an individual's oral and dental health status, and preventive procedures applied when needed are evaluated as a whole.
The scope and frequency of preventive approaches may vary according to a person's age, oral and dental health status, risk of caries and periodontal disease, and other individual characteristics. Therefore, the planning of preventive dental treatments is determined specifically for each individual in line with the clinical evaluation performed by the dentist. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan provided information about prominent approaches in preventive dentistry, preventive treatments applied in children and adults, and frequently asked questions.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is a dental practice based on the preservation of oral and dental health; focusing on reducing the risk of common problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, and identifying existing problems at an early stage.
The frequency of dentist check-ups is not the same for every individual. Check-up intervals are determined by taking into account factors such as a person's age, general and oral-dental health status, risk of caries and periodontal disease, oral care habits, and current treatments. For this reason, creating a follow-up plan suitable for an individual's needs is a more accurate approach rather than a fixed check-up interval for everyone.
The course to be followed for oral and dental issues identified early on may vary depending on the type and stage of the problem. For instance, while some early-stage carious lesions can be monitored with preventive methods, restorative treatments may be required for advanced decay. If decay affects the pulp tissue of the tooth, root canal treatment may come to the fore, and extraction may be considered in cases where preserving the tooth is not possible.
Therefore, the goal of preventive dentistry is not merely to intervene in an existing problem, but to evaluate measures aimed at protecting oral and dental health in a timely manner and to plan an appropriate approach when necessary.
Which Approaches Stand Out Within Preventive Dentistry?
The approach to be applied in preventive dentistry is planned according to an individual's current oral and dental health status and personal needs. In this context, supporting oral care, conducting regular check-ups, and appropriately evaluating existing problems when necessary are among the fundamental elements.
Early Evaluation and Treatment of Existing Problems
Identifying tooth decay, periodontal diseases, and other oral-dental problems at an early stage can help determine the appropriate approach on time. The treatment method to be applied is determined by the dentist according to the type and stage of the disease. Timely interventions performed when necessary can contribute to controlling the progression of the existing problem and preserving oral health.
Information on Oral Care and Hygiene
Proper and regular oral care is one of the fundamental elements of preventive dentistry. Personalized recommendations can be offered regarding brushing teeth with the correct technique, cleaning interdental spaces using appropriate methods, balanced nutrition, and developing habits that support oral health. In children, instilling age-appropriate oral care habits at an early period is of key importance.
Routine Check-ups and Examinations
Regular dental check-ups can help identify caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral-dental issues at an early stage. During check-ups, the individual's oral and dental health status is evaluated, and needed preventive or therapeutic approaches can be planned. When deemed necessary, radiological imaging or other auxiliary evaluation methods can be utilized in addition to clinical examination.
What Are Preventive Dentistry Applications in Children and Adults?
The selection of preventive dentistry applications may vary based on an individual's age, oral and dental health status, caries risk, oral care habits, and other personal characteristics. Applications needed in children and adults may not be the same. Following a clinical examination and necessary auxiliary evaluations, the dentist determines the preventive approach suitable for the individual's needs.
Fissure Sealant
Fissure sealants are the procedure of covering the natural pits and grooves (fissures) located on the chewing surfaces of posterior molars with a special protective material. In teeth with anatomically deep fissures, it can help reduce the risk of cavity formation by decreasing the accumulation of plaque and food debris in these areas.
Fissure sealants, frequently evaluated in children whose oral care habits are not yet fully developed, can also be applied to adult individuals at risk of decay when deemed necessary. The necessity of the application is determined by the dentist after evaluating the tooth structure and the person's caries risk.
Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scaling)
Regular tooth brushing and interdental cleaning performed at home are fundamental practices in preserving oral and dental health. However, plaque accumulating in certain areas can harden over time into dental calculus (tartar) and may not be completely removed through home oral care.
The process of removing calculus and surface deposits by a dentist using specialized equipment is called professional teeth cleaning or scaling. This procedure can help support oral hygiene and protect gum health. The necessity and application frequency of professional teeth cleaning are evaluated by the dentist according to the person's oral and dental health status.
Fluoride Applications
Fluoride is a mineral that helps support the resistance of tooth enamel against acids and assists in the remineralization of initial mineral loss. In children and adults evaluated to have a high caries risk, fluoride gel or varnish applications can be utilized in a clinical setting if the dentist deems it necessary.
The necessity of fluoride application is determined by considering factors such as the person's age, caries risk, oral hygiene, eating habits, and current oral-dental health status.
Evaluation of Early Caries
Identifying tooth decay at an early stage can enable the evaluation of preventive approaches aimed at halting progression. In addition to clinical examination, the dentist can utilize various diagnostic methods that assist in evaluating caries and changes in tooth tissue when deemed necessary.
Certain digital and auxiliary diagnostic technologies can contribute to inspecting early-stage changes, particularly in areas difficult to evaluate visually. The diagnostic method to be used is determined by the dentist in line with the clinical findings and needs of the individual.
Space Maintainers
Primary (baby) teeth contribute to preserving the necessary space in the mouth for the permanent teeth that will erupt after them and guiding the eruption process. If a primary tooth is lost earlier than normal due to decay, trauma, or other reasons, appliances called space maintainers can be used in some children to preserve the resulting gap.
The main purpose of space maintainers is to help protect the space required for the eruption of the permanent tooth. It may not be necessary to use a space maintainer for every early primary tooth loss. Whether the application is necessary is determined by the dentist after evaluating the location of the lost tooth, the child's age, the development and eruption status of the permanent tooth, and the existing oral and dental structure.
Radiological Imaging (Dental X-ray)
Radiological imaging methods can be used to evaluate certain tooth and jaw problems that are difficult to detect directly during clinical examination. Interdental decay, certain changes around the root, and specific conditions related to the jawbone can be evaluated with radiographic imaging when deemed necessary.
Digital radiography systems can provide imaging capability at low radiation doses. However, dental X-rays are not routinely necessary for every individual. Whether radiological imaging is required is determined by the dentist, considering clinical examination, the person's age, oral and dental health status, and existing risks.
How is the Price of Preventive Dental Treatment Determined?
The pricing of preventive dental treatments may vary depending on the type of procedure to be performed, the number of teeth to be treated, the individual's oral and dental health status, and necessary examination or diagnostic evaluations. Since the scope of preventive procedures such as fissure sealants, professional teeth cleaning, and fluoride application can differ from person to person, a net fee evaluation can be made after an examination. Applicable legislation and up-to-date fee schedules regarding dental services are taken into account during pricing.
Children's Teeth
