Preventive Dentistry in Sacramento, CA

Preventive Dentistry From Dr. Grivas 

At A. Scott Grivas III, DDS, INC, we believe the best protection against oral health issues involves providing our patients with the education and support needed to prevent them. With preventive dentistry, Dr. Grivas and his team can help protect your smile from infection and disease.

Checkups and Hygiene

Regular dental checkups and practicing good oral hygiene are the first lines of defense against a number of oral health issues. Dental checkups with Dr. Grivas include examinations, a thorough cleaning from our hygienist, and oral cancer screenings. 

Exams

An in-depth evaluation of your teeth, gums, soft tissue, bite, and other oral structures helps us better understand your oral health and identify potential problems in their earliest stages. By identifying problems before they can advance Dr. Grivas can prescribe a treatment plan and halt their progression. 

Cleanings

During your exam, you can also expect our hygienist to provide a thorough cleaning while remaining as gentle as possible. For patients who want a truly deep cleaning, Dr. Grivas can remove bacteria from your gums with a special soft tissue laser. If you experience sensitivity in your teeth, we can provide topical anesthetic rinses and sprays such as Oraquix® to simplify your cleaning procedure. 

Oral Cancer Screenings

In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimated that over 54,000 Americans develop oral cancer every year. Thankfully, early detection greatly increases successful treatment rates of oral cancer. 

The necessity of early detection in successfully fighting oral cancer is why Dr. Grivas and his team prioritize oral cancer screenings at every exam. To detect abnormalities, we use an advanced oral cancer screening system called ViziLite, which can detect abnormal or potentially cancerous tissues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.     


Education & Daily Oral Hygiene

Preventive dentistry doesn’t stop at our Sacramento office. Dr. Grivas and his team will educate you about necessary daily oral hygiene practices. Daily oral hygiene involves:

  • Brushing at least twice a day
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Maintaining a healthy diet

Daily oral hygiene is an easily accessible and necessary tool in helping to prevent:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Bad breath
  • Costly & invasive restorative surgeries
  • Tooth stains and discoloration
  • Weakened overall health

Dental Sealants

Dental patients, younger ones especially, may have a hard time reaching and properly cleaning the teeth in the back of their mouth. These teeth are called molars, and their deep grooves often trap food particles where a toothbrush can’t easily reach. 

Fortunately, Dr. Grivas can apply dental sealants for both children and adults who want added protection from cavities. Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is painted on, helping to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in the grooves of the molars. Studies conducted by the CDC show that sealants prevent over 80 percent of cavities two years after application.


Nightguards 

If you suffer from teeth grinding, or bruxism, while you sleep, you could develop:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Jaw pain
  • Damaged oral structure
  • TMJ disorder  

If you experience bruxism, Dr. Grivas can provide you with a customized nightguard to alleviate the symptoms. Nightguards are comfortable, removable dental appliances fitted to the upper and lower arches of your teeth. Your nightguard provides a valuable protective cushion between your teeth for when you unintentionally bite down too hard or grind your teeth while resting.


Sportsguards

For our dental patients who need added protection for their smile when playing sports, Dr. Grivas offers sportsguards. Sportsguards are are custom-made, removable dental appliances you wear in your mouth. Sportsguards can dramatically reduce the chances of oral injury while you’re playing high-intensity sports such as football or hockey. 


Frequently Asked Questions

If I practice regular oral hygiene, do I still need to see a dentist?
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
If I practice regular oral hygiene, do I still need to see a dentist?

While regular oral hygiene is key in the fight against oral disease, so too are regular dental exams. There may be oral health problems that an untrained individual usually won’t catch. 

It’ll take a trained dental professional like Dr. Grivas to accurately determine the state of your oral health. We highly encourage you to visit our Sacramento, CA office at least twice a year for regular dental exams so we can ensure your level of oral health is where it needs to be. 

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

We recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance or an electric toothbrush. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes using circular motions and pay special attention to hard to reach areas like your molars. 


Protect Your Smile With Preventive Dentistry!

Preventive dentistry methods can save you time and money by negating the need for costly restorative procedures. We’ll use preventive dentistry methods to provide you with the tools and support you’ll need to maintain your oral health for years to come. 

Take advantage of the preventive dentistry methods available from Dr. Grivas and his team. Call our office in Sacramento, CA by dialing (916) 929-9222 or filling out a contact form.    

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