Preventive Dentistry in Lee's Summit, MO

Most health and dental problems are preventable, and recent studies have shown a clear link between oral health and overall wellbeing. Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, so it’s important to take care of it!

Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are key to a beautiful smile and a happy, healthy life. By taking preventive measures, you can avoid many dental problems before they start – and save yourself time, money, and pain in the long run.

So don’t wait – take charge of your oral health today! Schedule a checkup with our dentist in Lee's Summit today.

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What to expect at your preventive dental care appointment

Examination and Periodontal Charting - teeth cleaning in Lee's Summit, MO

Examination and Periodontal Charting

During your comprehensive exam, our dentist in Lee's Summit will take a thorough look at your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth. During this time, we will educate you on what our dentist sees and provide you with a recommended treatment plan if there are any concerns. We want every patient to understand exactly what we are doing throughout the entire examination process.

Oral Prophylaxis - Teeth cleaning in  Lee's Summit, MO

Oral Prophylaxis

The reason oral prophylaxis is so important is that cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease (gum disease), periodontitis (gum infection), and tooth decay usually begin as plaque and tartar buildup. What’s more, tartar becomes a cement-like substance that can only be removed with specialized dental tools. 

To eliminate plaque and tartar, we will likely perform the following:

  • General cleaning
  • Scaling
  • Root planing
  • Tooth polishing
  • Manual flossing

For patients with recurring cavities, the Dr. Addie Luff may recommend a fluoride treatment as an anti-cavity measure. Sealants may be recommended to simplify brushing for patients with deep grooves in their molars.

Plaque - Teeth cleaning in Lee's Summit, MO

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a conglomeration of saliva, bacteria, microbes, and minerals. Plaque is forming in your mouth around the clock and can never be entirely eliminated, only controlled. Plaque is most noticeable when you first wake up. It's that sticky film that coats your teeth, gums, and tongue. Plaque is often referred to as "biofilm" since it is actually a large community of microbes and bacteria suspended in a mixture of saliva and minerals. Since biofilm is sticky, it readily adheres to all surfaces of the mouth — even below the gumline.