Preventive Dentistry Powell
Protecting More than Your Smile
When you go to a regular dental office for a checkup and cleaning, they’ll look at your teeth and gums for any signs of trouble, and that’s it. At Powell Dental Group, however, we go well beyond that to safeguard our patients’ smiles and overall health at the same time, at no additional cost to you. Led by an experienced dentist and certified nurse practitioner, Dr. Shelley Shults, our team will turn your routine dental visits into opportunities to avoid both dental and general health problems alike, which is certainly worth smiling about!
Why Choose Powell Dental Group for Preventive Dentistry?
- Quadruple Board-Certified Dentist That Prioritizes Overall Health
- Compassionate Team That Always Puts Patients First
- Patients of All Ages Proudly Welcome
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
We recommend that patients of all ages attend at least two checkups and cleanings each year. At these appointments, not only will our hygienists remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth, but Dr. Shults will also examine the entirety of your smile. We also review your medical history and go over any systemic symptoms that may have developed, as well as check your blood pressure and oxygen saturation at every appointment. This comprehensive approach enables our team to catch and treat issues that most other dental practices miss.
Learn More About Cleanings & Checkups
Dental Sealants
The back teeth, with their wide and deeply grooved surfaces, provide the perfect places for plaque, bacteria, and food particles to become trapped and cause cavities. This is especially true for small children who are still learning to brush effectively! Dental sealants enable us to shield these vulnerable teeth using a thin, clear layer of a composite resin that quickly hardens into a protective barrier.
Nightguards for Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism)
Common problems like worn down teeth, a sore jaw, chronic headaches, and even frequent earaches can all be attributed to bruxism, or unconscious teeth grinding during sleep. This can cause a lot of dental damage and facial pain if left alone, but a nightguard is a simple solution that’s proven to work. It’s a custom-made oral appliance that places a thin barrier between the rows of teeth that prevents any harmful contact during the night.
Mouthguards/Sportsguards
Dental injuries often occur during sports, both contact and non-contact. Rather than wearing a bulky, one-size-fits-all appliance from the store, we can provide our patients with mouthguards that are custom-fabricated just for them. Every appliance is shaped to comfortably fit over a patient’s unique tooth anatomy, and this also helps them provide a level of protection you just won’t find at the store.
Head, Neck, and Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer has very subtle symptoms initially, leading many patients to not notice anything until the disease is quite advanced and not easily treatable. To keep our patients safe and give them the best chance of beating it, we perform an oral cancer screening at every checkup. We’ll keep an eye out for any growths or sores that could indicate cancer, and if we find something, we can arrange for a biopsy right away.
Learn More About Oral Cancer Screenings
Fluoride Treatments
For decades, fluoride has provided a proven cavity solution that comes straight from nature, which is why you’ll often find it added to toothpaste and community water sources. Whenever the teeth are exposed to this mineral, fluoride strengthens and helps repair their enamel. At the end of regular checkups, we can apply fast-release concentrated fluoride varnish to ensure your smile stays strong and cavity-free between appointments.
Children’s Dentistry
Children have their own unique set of dental needs at every stage of development, and visiting a dental practice that tailors their care to each child’s age and personality is paramount to both healthy teeth and a pleasant experience. At Powell Dental Group, we welcome growing smiles of all ages, and we’ll always go above and beyond to deliver gentle, personalized care.
Gum Disease Treatment
For patients dealing with gum disease, scaling and root planing provide a targeted treatment that is proven to eliminate infection at the source. We’ll take a look at your gums every time you come to see us so we can identify problem areas as soon as possible. After initial treatment, we’ll work diligently to prevent any reinfection as well.
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Sedation Dentistry
We’re more than ready to help our anxious patients using an approach called sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and oral sedation are all available. No matter what kind of procedure a patient needs or their level of dental phobia, we’ll find the perfect solution for them so they can take care of their teeth without any stress or worry.
TMJ Treatment
An often-overlooked aspect of oral health are the jaw joints, which are called the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Like others in the body, these joints can become inflamed, misaligned, and develop dysfunction, which can lead to pain throughout not only the jaw, but the head, neck, and even back in some cases. Using comprehensive exams and custom-made therapeutic mouthpieces, we can restore both balance and function while also providing lasting relief.