Dental Services – Preventative Treatment

This is one of the most effective ways of keeping your smile healthy and looking great. You should have a comprehensive dental exam at least twice annually.  During the exam Dr. Stack will look for decay and cracks in the teeth, do an oral cancer screen, and examine any x-rays taken during the appointment. The American Dental Association recommends diagnostic X-rays be taken annually as part of your exam to assist Dr. Stack in identifying potential problem areas especially in between the teeth.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease occur when teeth and gums are not cleaned properly. Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque builds up after you eat and when you sleep. The bacteria in plaque turn the sugar in foods and drinks into acids. These acids attack your tooth’s hard outer layer, called enamel. Breakdown of the enamel causes decay or cavities. Most patients require professional cleanings twice annually to help remove plaque. We also offer deeper cleanings for patients with periodontal disease. These cleanings may be required more frequently to maintain maximum oral health.

Our Greenville SC dental office provides fluoride treatments for children and adults, which create an additional barrier against tooth decay. If you drink fluoridated water and routinely brush with fluoride toothpaste, you likely receive a sufficient amount of fluoride. However, if you drink mostly bottled water, you are in orthodontic treatment, you take medications that cause dry mouth, or you have gum recession in office fluoride treatment would be recommended. We also offer prescription strength fluoride toothpaste for patients with these conditions.

Dental sealant is a plastic coating that we paint onto the biting surfaces of your teeth. It is a fact that when combined with a good oral care routine, dental sealant applied to the molars of children and adults is helpful in creating an excellent barrier against the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

If you notice that you are grinding or clinching your teeth or have soreness in your jaw, you may need a night guard.  Dr. Stack make custom night guards here in our office in Greenville, SC.

We also provide custom fit Sleep Apnea appliances that are designed to help properly position your jaws while you sleep to prevent sleep apnea. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and would like to reduce the need for a CPAP machine, the OptiSleep appliance may be right for you.