Preventive Dentistry– East Millinocket, ME

Comprehesive Exams

Even if you brush and floss diligently every single day, scheduling two professional checkups and cleanings each calendar year with a trusted dentist is essential. Additionally, if there are outlying circumstances (such as an oversensitivity to tooth decay or moderate gum disease), Dr. Delaney may ask you to visit every three to four months instead so that we can help you better maintain your smile.

During these important appointments, we’ll take a comprehensive approach, inspecting your teeth, your gum tissue, your jaw joints, your resting bite, any existing restorative work, and more. Digital X-ray technology will help us even take a closer look underneath the surface of the enamel and gums!

In addition to the checkup, an in-depth cleaning with our talented hygienist will help get rid of decay-causing plaque and tartar and minor staining as well. As a result, your entire mouth should feel refreshed and polished by the time you leave!

Periodontal Cleanings

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the United States, and it should be taken very seriously! That’s why our team is dedicated to providing periodontal screenings as a part of every typical checkup and cleaning. If we determine that an infection is present, we can treat the damage with a number of effective techniques as soon as possible, including scaling and root planing and focused antibiotic therapy.

Dental Sealants

For young children, brushing and flossing in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth can be a struggle because of their shorter arms. This is especially dangerous regarding the premolars and molars (back teeth), which contain deep pits and grooves in their chewing surfaces that can attract cavity-causing bacteria over time. Thankfully, dental sealants can offer some valuable extra protection. This safe plastic material covers the tooth and creates a barrier that blocks out harmful food particles and foreign debris. Plus, the painless application process only takes a few minutes!

Sports Mouthguards

If you or your child is a passionate athlete, it’s important to remember to protect the smile from physical harm just as diligently as you do your head, elbows, and knees. At Katahdin Family Dental, we can design a custom-made sports mouthguard that complements your unique mouth perfectly, providing superior stability, comfort, and flexibility that just can’t be achieved with a “one-size-fits-all” model from the local athletics store.

Nightguards for Tooth Grinding

Do you regularly wake up in the mornings with chronic jaw pain and headaches? Do your tooth surfaces seem flat and worn-down? These are common signs of bruxism, which most people know better as teeth grinding. Most adults only grind while they’re asleep and are unaware of the damage they’re doing to their smile, which is just one more reason why you should be attending regular checkups with a trusted dental team like ours. Dr. Delaney is very sensitive to the warning signs of bruxism, and she can provide you with a custom-made nightguard that comfortably protects the teeth while you sleep easy.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Did you know that one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day on average? In far too many cases of this dangerous health problem, patients don’t receive a proper diagnosis until the damage is already too advanced to recover from. Here in East Millinocket, we’ve made routine oral cancer screenings an important part of routine checkups. Dr. Delaney will take a close look at the oral tissue, noting any abnormalities like discoloration, crusts, or sores that could be cancerous in nature. If needed, she will recommend further testing so that you can receive a concrete diagnosis as early as possible.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown through testing and research to actually contain positive benefits for a person’s continuing oral health. Regular, safe exposure strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the overall risk of cavities – but unfortunately, too many children don’t get enough of it on a day-to-day basis. That’s why our team offers professional applications here in-office. This process only takes a few minutes, and patients can return to eating and drinking right away without any disruption to their regular routine.

Children’s Dentistry

Far too often, patients develop a lifelong fear of the dentist because of a negative experience they had at a young age. That’s why Dr. Delaney and the rest of our team work so hard to make these early visits as friendly, comfortable, and positive as possible for your littlest loved ones! We enjoy caring for entire families and offering services that can benefit all ages. Our kid-friendly options include gentle checkups, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings, and more.