Ensure Continued Oral Health with Preventive Dentistry Treatments

Maintaining your oral health is of the utmost importance and should be a priority for every patient. Dr. Rick H. Heard can provide preventive dentistry services for both periodontal and general dental concerns and uses advanced technology to thoroughly examine and treat his patients. Gulf Coast Periodontics has been serving Victoria, TX, and surrounding areas since 2003. Our staff is committed to treating patients with exceptional periodontal care.

Why is Preventive Dentistry Important?

When it comes to oral health, prevention is key. Routine dental visits and cleanings can aid in the early detection of dental problems. By addressing issues as they arise, you can prevent any oral issues from worsening over time. When left untreated, tooth decay and gum disease can lead to more serious overall health risks, such as heart disease and stroke. Preventive treatment is friendlier to your wallet, as well. When you address oral health issues before they become severe, you can avoid more extensive and costly treatments in the future.

Routine dental cleanings are necessary to maintain optimal oral health.

Preventive Periodontal Treatments

At Gulf Coast Periodontics, we offer procedures that prevent periodontal and general dental issues. Some of the treatments we provide include:

• Cleanings: The American Dental Association recommends regular dental cleanings twice per year for optimal oral health; however, the frequency of cleanings may be increased for patients who have specific periodontal needs.
• Scaling and Root Planing: To address mild periodontal disease, scaling and root planing can be performed to clean and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth, discouraging plaque from reattaching. This non-surgical procedure is similar to a regular dental cleaning except that the gums are numbed so the technician can clean deep into the gum line, flushing out bacteria.
• Periodontal Maintenance: If previous periodontal procedures such as gum surgery or scaling and root planing have been performed, periodontal maintenance can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Research tells us it only takes three to six months for the bacteria in your mouth to repopulate. With periodontal maintenance, you can keep bacteria levels at bay. Dr. Heard can help you determine a cleaning schedule that will best meet your needs.
• Patient Education: We take pride in providing unparalleled patient education. By understanding why periodontal problems occur, our patients can be well-equipped to combat gum problems and keep their smiles healthy.

Dental Hygiene at Home

Routine dental cleanings are necessary to maintain optimal oral health. However, proper at-home oral care is just as vital. In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums between visits, you must become acquainted with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Each patient has specific needs, so hygiene methods can vary according to your particular situation. Some patients will be able to properly clean their teeth with regular dental floss. Patients with bridges or other restorative work may need additional tools, such as floss threaders, interproximal brushes, or special rinses.

Regardless of your situation, it is important to brush at least twice per day and floss at least once per day. You should also rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once per day. Special care should be taken to brush the gums as well as the teeth, sweeping out bacteria-causing plaque. Dr. Heard and his team will help you determine an at-home hygiene regimen that will cater to your specific needs. 

Innovative Technology and Contemporary Training

Gulf Coast Periodontics takes pride in staying on the cutting edge of dentistry. Dr. Heard continues his education on the latest methods and technologies to provide optimal services to his patients. Patient safety is our number one priority. Our diagnostic imaging tools are completely digital, emitting 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-ray units. Because our cone beam scanner and x-ray unit produce virtual images, the pictures can be manipulated and viewed from multiple perspectives, allowing Dr. Heard to diagnose with precision and accuracy.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about preventive dentistry, schedule a consultation with Dr. Heard. You can contact us online or call our office at (361) 573-1014 to make your appointment or to speak with a member of our staff.