Preventive Dentistry Allentown
Encouraging Better Oral Health for Life
Preventive dental care is extremely important for your overall oral health and should be taken seriously. Having a beautiful smile is great, but keeping that smile shining bright and maintaining good oral health is vital. Multiple clinical studies and research have proven a link between oral health and systemic wellness, or the health of the body as a whole.
That’s why creating a solid foundation of oral hygiene and preventive care is crucial when maintaining your smile and health. While brushing and flossing are important, you also need the skilled support of a dental team that can find and treat potential issues you may overlook. That’s where Dr. Young comes in! Our Allentown dental practice offers a variety of preventive dentistry services that are designed to keep your smile complete, healthy, and happy through the years. Adults, children, and even special needs patients will be sure to feel at ease when it comes to our friendly, personalized approach. We look forward to welcoming your family, so if you’re ready to start down the path to better oral health, call to schedule an appointment today!
Why Choose Bradford Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Preventive Dentistry?
- Family Dentist Who Sees Patients of All Ages
- Long-Standing Dental Team That Puts Patients First
- Digital Technologies Used to Ensure Accurate Dental Diagnoses
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends that patients attend two dental checkups and hygiene appointments a year, or once every six months. This allows our team to thoroughly inspect your teeth, gums, jaw, and other areas of your mouth so that any tell-tale signs of decay and structural damage are caught and treated at the earliest possible stage. Additionally, an in-depth teeth cleaning with one of our trusted hygienists will get rid of pesky plaque and tartar that can stick to the surface of teeth and give your smile a fresh, polished feel. You’ll be sure to leave our Allentown dental office feeling more confident about your oral health!
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Gum Disease Treatment
Did you know that nearly 80% of the population suffers from some level of gum disease? While symptoms of this common disorder may be relatively mild or even invisible at first, they can quickly lead to dangerous consequences for your oral health if left untreated for too long. We can provide the personalized therapy your smile needs to regain its health. This could include more in-depth hygiene appointments, scaling and root planing, or surgical intervention by a trusted specialist.
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Nightguards for Bruxism
Are you noticing jaw pain and/or teeth that look worn down in your smile? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism (also known as teeth grinding), which is commonly caused by stress. While many patients are unaware of this habit because it occurs while asleep, the symptoms it causes can lead to devastating consequences for your oral health if left untreated. Thankfully, our team can create a customized oral appliance for you that protects your smile from grinding while you rest comfortably.
Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguards
You may wonder whether it’s best to invest in a customized nightguard or if you can achieve success with a store-bought variety. If you want the truth, here are the differences between them:
- Professional nightguards are fully customized according to the dimensions of your mouth; store-bought varieties are one-size-fits-all.
- Professional nightguards prove to be more effective and comfortable to wear.
- Store-bought nightguards may not fit your mouth correctly, causing your bite to remain uneven while at rest. This can lead to worsening jaw pain over time.
The Process of Getting a Nightguard
When it’s time to receive a custom nightguard, you will begin by meeting with Dr. Young for a scheduled consultation. He will perform an examination to check for signs of dental wear. While assessing the severity of the damage, he will inquire about your symptoms and take the necessary impressions using our in-house digital system.
These impressions will be sent to a local laboratory, where technicians will begin to fabricate your new nightguard. After it is ready and returned to our office, you will schedule a second appointment to receive your appliance.
If any adjustments are required, they can be made at this time. You may also need to return for a follow-up visit to ensure the nightguard is working correctly.
The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard for Bruxism
Whether you’re still unsure about investing in a professional nightguard or you are ready to get started, here are a few additional benefits you can expect:
- A cushioned appliance that protects your teeth from further wear and tear
- The ability to alleviate jaw pain caused by bruxism, reducing the potential development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- A reduction of headaches and muscle tension throughout your face, head, and neck
- Improved bite alignment (mildly)
Caring for Your Nightguard
Once you receive your custom nightguard in Allentown, make sure you care for it properly, so it does not become damaged or harm your oral health. You can do this by:
- Rinsing your appliance before and after usage using lukewarm water (hot water can warp the material)
- Keeping the nightguard case in a safe location to avoid possible damage or accidents
- Allowing the nightguard to air dry in the case
- Cleaning the nightguard with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear soap to remove bacteria and saliva that accumulate overnight
Oral Cancer Screenings
You’ve surely heard of cavities and gum disease, but what about oral cancer? While not as well-known, this disorder has some staggering statistics associated with it – for instance, half of the people diagnosed this year won’t go on to live more than five years. While oral cancer is certainly dangerous, the bright side is that the disease has a high treatment success rate if it’s caught in the earliest stages. That’s why our team has incorporated an in-depth oral cancer screening into their regular dental evaluations for adults. By regularly scanning your soft tissue for any signs of abnormalities, we can protect your health and ensure that any potential signs of concern aren’t overlooked.
Family Dentistry
When you look for a family dentist in Allentown, you want someone who can provide dental care for every member of your family, from the youngest to the eldest. You also want a dentist who delivers treatment with equal doses of professionalism and compassion. Well then, you’ve come to the right dental practice. Dr. Young and his team of dental hygienists and dental assistants offer a comprehensive menu of family dentistry services to help you enjoy years and even decades with a healthy and happy smile. We cater to adults, children, and patients with special needs, so everyone feels comfortable and confident with the treatment they receive.
Children’s Dentistry
For many adults, a fear of the dentist started at a very young age. We strive to avoid this at all costs here in Allentown by providing children with the gentle, friendly approach to oral healthcare they need to feel at ease during their appointment. Our children's dentistry services, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, can offer growing smiles valuable protection against the threat of bacteria. We’ll also take the time to educate your child on how to care for their teeth at home through brushing and flossing. It is our goal to set them on the path toward lifelong oral health.
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TMJ Treatment
Living with chronic jaw pain and frequent headaches can make work, school, and daily life challenging. This is why Dr. Young, Dr. Horani, and our team are here to provide TMJ treatment in Allentown. With customized occlusal splints to prevent teeth grinding and alleviate jaw tension to give you a better quality of life.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Being able to breathe without fear of obstruction is the ultimate goal of sleep apnea treatment, and it’s what you can expect when entrusting Dr. Young with your overall health. Using Silent Night appliances, we can make sure your nightly rest involves repositioning your jaw so that soft oral tissues do not collapse but instead allow air to flow freely while you sleep. The result is a restful night that is free of interruptions.
Dental Care & Your Overall Health
Multiple clinical studies and research have proven there is a link between oral health and systemic wellness, or the health of the body as a whole. Periodontal (gum) disease, for example, is associated with a variety of potentially life-threatening complications, including coronary artery disease, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, and more. Keeping your gums healthy is the first step toward preserving your overall health for years to come.