Preventive Dentistry – Oak Cliff, TX

Checkups & Cleanings

Dr. Martinez recommends that patients of all ages should receive at least two checkups and cleanings every year (or one every six months). Why? Because these appointments give him the chance to make sure a patient’s teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and existing dental work are all in good shape. By regularly checking them, he can catch and treat small problems before they can become major headaches later (most issues are very easy to miss during their early stages!).

These visits also give our hygiene team the chance to expertly remove any plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, particularly from those areas in the mouth that can’t be reached by a brush or floss. Regular cleanings are also able to break up minor surface stains in order to keep the teeth nice and white! Altogether, these appointments are usually fast, painless, and if you have insurance, they’ll be mostly or completely covered by your plan!

Children’s Dentistry

Children can actually develop many of the same dental issues as adults, so attending regular dental appointments at an early age is essential to helping your little one enjoy a lifetime of optimal oral health. We understand that the dental office can be a bit of a scary place for small children, so our team will go out of our way to ensure your child’s comfort at every appointment. When they’re relaxed enough, we can provide a number of kid-friendly dental treatments that are designed to fight cavities and guide the development of their teeth and jaw.

Dental Sealants

With this treatment, we can literally create an invisible barrier around a tooth to protect it from cavity-causing bacteria, acids, and food particles. We most often apply them to the vulnerable back teeth because they can be very difficult to clean. This is done by placing a thin, clear layer of a plastic-based substance onto the teeth that quickly hardens. Sealants are great for children who are still learning to brush as well as adults who are prone to developing decay.

Nightguards for Bruxism

In general, people are more stressed than ever, and for many, this manifests itself as unconscious teeth grinding during sleep. This is a condition called bruxism, and left to its own devices, it can slowly wear down the teeth until they eventually fracture! If this is an issue for you, Dr. Martinez can keep your smile happy and whole by having you wear a nightguard to bed. It is a small, custom-made oral appliance that places a protective barrier between the teeth to prevent harmful contact during the night.

Mouthguards & Sportsguards

Did you know that 40% of all dental injuries are sports-related? No matter an athlete’s age or level of play, a custom-made sportsguard from Dr. Martinez can help keep their teeth protected from unexpected impacts on the field, mat, or court. Compared to generic sportsguards, his are not only more comfortable and durable, but they have also been shown to reduce an athlete’s chances of sustaining a concussion! They are particularly helpful for children, as younger athletes are more likely to wear a sportsguard that is specially made to fit them because it doesn’t interfere with their breathing and speaking.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is an often fatal disease that is actually very treatable when detected early, which is why Dr. Martinez includes a cancer screening as part of every routine checkup. During this brief visual and tactile exam, he’ll carefully look at your mouth and the surrounding areas for any signs of cancerous or precancerous cells (such as persistent sores or discolored patches of tissue). Should he find anything, he can help you quickly get the follow-up care that you need.

Fluoride Treatment

You’ll find fluoride added to many toothpastes and community water sources, and that’s because this mineral has long been shown to help strengthen the teeth against tooth decay and cavities with regular exposure. However, more and more people aren’t getting enough every day to keep their teeth fully protected, so Dr. Martinez is happy to include a supplemental fluoride treatment as part of your family’s regular checkups. It’s quick, it’s painless, and it’s one of the best ways to keep someone cavity-free year round.

Toothpastes & Mouthwashes

99% of a person’s dental care actually occurs at home with regular brushing and flossing, so as you can imagine, the products your family uses every day are extremely important to your long-term oral health! Our team is always happy to give you recommendations as to which products are best for each person’s unique smile, and we can even provide a number of prescription strength ones that you won’t find on store shelves!