Preventative Dentistry in Alexandria

The term “preventive dentistry” refers to a variety of dental treatments and practices that are used to prevent oral diseases and catch potential oral health issues early.

This includes six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams, x-rays, oral cancer screenings and a variety of other treatments like fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and periodontal care for gum disease.

Routine cleanings are important for a number of reasons. First, they can help prevent some oral health issues like gum disease and cavities completely, or allow your dentist to take appropriate action right away if a dentist notices an issue with your mouth.

This saves you time and money, helps you avoid further complications, and gives you peace of mind. Routine cleanings are also usually 100% covered by dental insurance, and are cost-effective even if you don’t have an insurance plan.

During your routine cleaning at our Alexandria office, your dental hygienist will usually start by taking x-rays. This happens once per year. Then, your hygienist will use special tools to scrape plaque and tartar away from your teeth, and will clean and polish your teeth with a special buffing tool and toothpaste.

Finally, your teeth will be flossed to remove any remaining debris. Then, Dr. Badri will enter the room and examine your mouth. She’ll discuss your oral health with you, as well as any follow-ups you may need at Dental Studio at Mark Center.

Fluoride treatments are usually done after teeth cleanings. In this procedure, a thin layer of fluoride varnish is applied to each of your teeth. This helps attract minerals to your teeth, strengthening them and reducing your risk of cavities.

Dental sealants are made of a special type of dental resin. Dr. Badri will apply this resin to your rear teeth in liquid form, then harden it using an LED light to create an invisible and durable barrier between your tooth and plaque, bacteria, acid, and food particles. This treatment from our Alexandria office helps prevent cavities for 3-5 years or longer.

At Dental Studio at Mark Center, we offer a full suite of periodontal care services for patients with gum disease. This includes deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) as well as antibiotic treatment and routine periodontal cleanings to manage and control gum disease.

As part of every six month appointment at our office, Dr. Badri offers oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is rare, but is very dangerous if it’s not identified before it spreads throughout the rest of the body. During your screening, Dr. Badri will look for lesions, bumps, discolored patches of tissue, and other potential signs of oral cancer, providing you with peace of mind after your dental appointment in Alexandria.