Preventive Dentistry – Rowley, MA
Keep Your Smile
Healthy Forever
A damaged or worn smile can be repaired, but if there are early signs of wear present, prevention pays off. Dr. St. Clair’s priority is advanced diagnosis and treatment planning to help prevent future problems. Exceptional home care combined with exceptional professional care helps ensure a healthy mouth, which is better for your overall health. Schedule an appointment for preventive dentistry in our Rowley, MA dental office today.
Why Choose J. Peter St. Clair, DMD for Preventive Dentistry?
- Dentist Committed to Education
- Creative, Personalized Treatment Plans
- Advanced Laser Cavity Detection
Oral Health Exams & Professional Hygiene Appointments
(a.k.a. Dental Check-ups & “Cleanings”)
We go far beyond “cleaning” teeth. We evaluate (4) areas in every patient – Periodontal or Gum Health (the foundation behind your teeth), Function (how your TMJ, Muscles and Teeth are working together), Esthetics (the teeth are in your face), and Structure (how are the teeth themselves holding-up). Yes, your appointments do involve “cleaning” your teeth. We used advanced techniques for a comfortable appointment. We coach our patients on home care techniques to help lessen the professional care needed. Our goal – long-term health!
Learn More About Checkups & Cleanings
Nightguards for Bruxism
Nightguards are a broad term in the field of dentistry. There are many different types of dental appliances that can be worn in the mouth. There are also many different reasons people do the things they do with their teeth at night, and during the day. Identifying the root cause of bruxism (grinding and/or clenching of teeth) is goal #1. Helping prevent damage to the teeth, TMJs and muscles long-term is goal #2. Proper diagnosis and proper appliance selection (if appropriate) are key. There is so much dentistry that can be avoided if this is managed properly.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to clench or grind your teeth. While simply not doing it may seem like an obvious “cure,” unfortunately, most people don’t even realize it’s happening. Worse yet, it often occurs during sleep, making it that much harder to stop.
Bruxism has many causes, one of the most common being stress, but it can also be due to genetics or even a jaw injury. In addition to causing stiffness and strain on the jaw and temporomandibular joints, it can also put premature wear on your teeth, which can increase tooth sensitivity and your risk of developing cavities, too!
Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguards
While ‘boil-and-bite’ nightguards are readily available at many discount stores and pharmacies, these are not custom made to fit your mouth correctly. In fact, because they can sometimes be made incorrectly or even cause your jaws to rest unevenly, they can often make your discomfort worse instead of improving it.
Conversely, a professional nightguard in Rowley is more precise, providing a comfortable fit that you’ll not only be more likely to wear, but that won’t create new bite problems while correcting the existing ones.
The Process of Getting a Nightguard
Getting a professionally made nightguard in Rowley is easy! First, you’ll need to come in for a consultation with Dr. St. Clair. During this visit, he will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, and ensure you’re in good oral health. He will also be on the lookout for signs of excessive dental wear, and if any is discovered will create a treatment plan to restore your pain-free smile.
Next, he’ll make some digital impressions of your mouth. These are painless and will only take a few minutes. Once complete, they’ll be sent off to the dental laboratory where your new nightguard will be made. In about two weeks, it will arrive back at our office, where you’ll return to try it on to ensure it fits correctly. If it does, Dr. St. Clair will go over proper care and use instructions, and you’ll be free to begin using it each night. Before you leave, we’ll schedule a quick follow-up exam with you so we can check the progress of your nightguard and ensure everything is working as intended.
The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard for Bruxism
Nightguards in Rowley are a safe, effective way to protect your teeth from premature wear and damage from teeth grinding. They not only prevent dental damage like chips, cracks, and uneven bites, but they can also alleviate the jaw tension, stiffness, and headaches characteristic of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Caring for Your Nightguard
Caring for your nightguard is easier than you might think! Here’s a quick how-to guide with some best practices:
- Be sure to rinse off your nightguard with lukewarm water before and after using it.
- Allow your nightguard to air-dry in the case provided by Dr. St. Clair.
- Always store your nightguard out of reach of small children and pets.
- To clean your nightguard, you can brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap but be sure to rinse it well when you’re done!
Oral Cancer Screening
We take our job seriously. There are no other health care providers who look in your mouth as closely as we do. Our team has found numerous oral lesions over the years – many not being an issue and others that have been malignant. Regular (at least yearly) oral cancer exams are essential for early detection, referral, diagnosis and treatment.
Learn More About Oral Cancer Screening
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum, or periodontal disease, is a major reason for tooth loss. It is also very unhealthy, but very treatable. However, early detection and routine professional care, are the key to keeping gum disease away. As with most diseases, genetics play a significant role. Routine dental hygiene appointments, throughout your ENTIRE life, are very important. Yes, we do use fancy lasers like the Fotona Lightwalker to treat gum disease, but prevention is better. Call Dr. St. Clair’s office to schedule your professional hygiene appointment today!
Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment
TMJ Therapy
Everyone has (2) TMJs (Temporomandibular Joints). TMJD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is when one or both of these joints and/or surrounding muscles, are not working in harmony with the masticatory system. Dr. St. Clair has a special interest in diagnosis and treating TMJD problems. Using technology such as regenerative therapy with PRF (platelet-rich-fibrin), photobiomodulation or red-light-therapy with the Fotona Lightwalker or recommended at-home devices, dental orthotic (splint) therapy, and physical therapy with a craniosacral specialist, is the most conservative line of treatment available. Again, as with most disease processes, early detection and treatment prevention are key. We use CBCT (cone-beam CT) to help diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up. ***If referred from another dentist, can NOT become a general dental patient of our practice. Will work with your dentist in treating your TMJD.
Advanced Dental Hygiene
Discover a more modern, gentle way to handle your cleaning visit. Our air polishing technology eliminates harmful bacteria more efficiently and comfortably than traditional techniques — reducing sensitivity while delivering improved results.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Hygiene
Preventive Dentistry FAQs
Preventive dentistry is crucial to a healthy mouth and body. It’s normal to have several questions, but don’t worry. We take the time to explain everything at each appointment. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Do I need a cleaning and checkup if I don’t have any concerns?
The American Dental Association recommends everyone have a cleaning and checkup every 6 months, even if you don’t have any dental concerns. Your toothbrush and floss are your first line of defense for a healthy smile. Unfortunately, they can’t clean everywhere in your mouth. Besides removing accumulations left behind by your toothbrush and floss, they’ll review your oral hygiene habits to suggest any improvements. Routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor your smile to provide quick intervention if they find a concern, like gum inflammation or enamel erosion. Although you may not have any symptoms, dental issues can linger in your mouth until they turn into a big problem. Most patients only require semi-annual appointments; however, some may need cleanings and checkups more often.
How does preventive dentistry save money?
Many people believe they save money by only visiting a dentist when they need one. Despite good intentions, this leads to higher oral health expenses. Dentistry focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues from occurring, like tooth decay or gum disease. As a result, you are less likely to need a costly treatment later. Research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency costs. A cleaning and checkup are simple ways to save money while ensuring your smile lasts for a lifetime.
Can I use my dental insurance for preventive dentistry?
Every dental insurance plan differs, but most cover 100% of the cost of preventive dentistry. By paying your monthly premiums, you have access to reduced rates for the services your teeth and gums need. After a copayment, you can benefit from a cleaning and checkup. You won’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for X-rays, oral cancer screenings, or other preventive services. You can invest in a healthy smile, even if money is tight.
Should I wait to see a dentist for a toothache?
Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn’t normal. If you develop any dental pain or other concerns in between your routine appointments, don’t wait to contact your dentist. While the issue may be minor, like a small cavity, a toothache can also indicate a big problem, such as an infection. It is better to see your dentist sooner to have the problem treated quickly.
What if I’m scared of the dentist?
If you have dental-related phobias, you can sit back and relax with sedation dentistry. We’ll help you conquer your fear using oral conscious sedation, so nothing stands in your way of a healthy smile. You’ll take the prescribed medication before your appointment to walk into the office feeling completely relaxed to enjoy your time in the dental chair.
