Root canals. Tooth implants. Dentures. When teeth become decayed and damaged, there are procedures that dentists like Dr. Hardt in Porterville are trained to provide. These procedures can be costly, invasive, and require a skilled hand, and although Dr. Hardt is one of the best dentists in the San Joaquin Valley, there is no denying that this type of care is more difficult for patients.
Insurance companies are not fond of it either, as these procedures represent higher costs and less profit for their businesses. It is why insurance companies prefer – and fund – preventative dental care, and why patients are always better off if they take advantage of this care as well. But what is preventative dental care, and how does it compare to other types of dentistry?
The Goal of Preventative Dental Care in Porterville, CA
Most dentistry is actually about prevention. Poor dental health has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. It also means tooth pain, loose teeth, and other challenges for patients that are not taking care of their teeth effectively.
Preventative dental care is dentistry that protects and treats teeth before they become more serious problems. You do this every day at home, by:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Eating Less Sugary Foods
These basic forms of dental hygiene are actually a type of preventative dental care.
We also provide this type of care at the dentist. The goal of dentistry is to make sure that you have a healthy mouth, with healthy teeth and gums that can chew, bite, and smile pain free. That is why patients, dentists, and insurance companies utilize the following types of treatments:
- Fluoride Treatments
- Dental Sealants
- Comprehensive Teeth Cleaning, and More
It also involves X-rays, dental exams, and education for patients about the benefits and techniques for better dental health. All of these are examples of preventative dentistry, as they’re designed to prevent dental and oral health problems before they become more serious challenges.
Preventative Dentistry in Porterville with Dr. Hardt
There are other forms of dentistry as well, all of which you can find with Dr. Hardt. For example, Cosmetic Dentistry is designed to address the appearance of teeth – not necessarily their health. There are also many treatments for damaged teeth, like crowns, root canals, and more that we can provide right here at our office.
But ideally, your dental needs are met with prevention. Dr. Hardt and his team are here to make sure that we can help you prevent problems before they start. These are also procedures that you already pay for with your dental insurance, meaning that it is in your best interests both physically and financially to take advantage of these services when you can.If you are interested in learning more about this approach to dentistry, or you’re ready to receive the treatment that you need, please contact Dr. Hardt and his team at any time and let’s make sure your oral health is as ideal as possible in the months and years to come. Feel free to call our office directly as well to schedule your first appointment. 559-784-6523
