Preventive Care Specialist
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TLC Dental
Long N Phan, DMD, FAGD
General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Murrieta, CA
Regular preventive care is a critical component of good oral health. Routine checkups can catch potentially serious problems early on when they’re easiest to treat. At TLC Dental in Murrieta, California, Long Phan, DMD, and the team offer preventive dental care to people of all ages, offering services that include oral exams, X-rays, and oral cancer screening. To request your preventive care appointment, book with the online scheduling tool, or call the office today.
Preventive Care Q & A
What is preventive care?
Preventive care is a dental specialty that uses preemptive measures like checkups and diagnostic imaging to catch oral health problems. It also presents an opportunity to ask questions, build a relationship with Dr. Phan, and gain insights about nutrition and good oral hygiene.
What does preventive care involve?
Dr. Phan and the TLC Dental team offer various preventive care services, including:
Oral exams
An oral exam is a routine checkup that assesses the health of your mouth. During an exam, Dr. Phan uses a handheld mirror to observe your teeth, cheeks, gums, and tongue. If he notices any areas of concern, he can order additional testing.
Professional teeth cleaning
It’s important to undergo professional teeth cleaning every six months. This type of preventive care involves your provider removing plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. Afterward, they polish and floss your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment if prescribed.
Oral X-rays
Oral X-rays allow Dr. Phan and the team to take detailed photographs of your tooth roots, jaws, and alveolar bone. This makes it possible to detect potential problems that aren’t visible, such as impacted wisdom teeth, deep decay, or damage to the tooth pulp.
Oral cancer screening
Oral cancer screening helps Dr. Phan diagnose potentially cancerous growths. During a screening, Dr. Phan uses gloved hands to assess any unusual lumps, bumps, or abnormalities. If he uncovers anything out of the ordinary, he can take a biopsy and send it to a lab for additional testing.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatment helps strengthen and support your tooth enamel. Most tap water contains fluoride, but it isn’t always enough to protect against decay. If you have a history of cavities, Dr. Phan might recommend a quick, in-office treatment.
Dental sealants
Dental sealants are protective plastic coverings that Dr. Phan applies to molars or premolars. They prevent the buildup of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, lowering the risk of tooth decay. Dr. Phan typically recommends sealants for children and teens.
How frequently should I have a preventive care exam and cleaning?
If you want to keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition, Dr. Phan and the TLC Dental team recommend scheduling preventive care visits at least twice a year. Follow this rule even if your teeth and gums seem healthy. It’s always best to catch potentially serious problems in their early stages of development.
To learn more about preventive care, request a consultation at TLC Dental. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.