Preserve Your Valuable Smile with Bartlesville Preventive Dentistry
When it comes to the lifelong health and happiness of teeth and gums, prevention truly is key. That’s why our Dentistry by Design team emphasizes this approach whenever possible, providing comprehensive exams, helpful education on oral hygiene, and many other services that can protect and strengthen smiles at all stages of life. Dr. Luke Lumpkin wants to help you avoid potential pitfalls whenever possible, and they look forward to being you and your family’s trusted oral healthcare partners for years to come. Contact our Bartlesville, OK office today to schedule your first appointment!
Checkups & Cleanings
We strongly recommend that children and adults alike attend a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning every six months on average, or twice each year. These routine visits are important because they allow our doctors and staff members to fully understand the realities of your smile and identify areas of damage or decay as soon as they develop, potentially preventing much more severe concerns down the road. After thoroughly reviewing the patient’s individual teeth, periodontal health, bite, current restorative work, and other important components, Dr. Lumpkin will provide personalized recommendations for any treatment they deem necessary to restore oral health.
Additionally, a professional cleaning from one of our talented hygienists can remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that’s gradually formed along the teeth and gums over time, threatening decay. Patients will be able to leave our office with a nicely polished smile and a confident plan for the future of their oral health.
Children’s Dentistry
Our Bartlesville practice is open to your whole family, and parents can rest assured that we have your son or daughter’s best interests at heart when it comes to their growing smiles. Every member of our team is happy to create a friendly, warm atmosphere for children, providing gentle checkups, helpful brushing and flossing instructions, and other important preventive and restorative services. We believe that it’s never too early to start building the stepping stones towards lifelong oral health!
Dental Sealants
The premolars and molars are likely to have deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces, which can be prime targets for sticky food particles and decay-causing bacteria. Thankfully, dental sealants can be a big help in banishing them. This thin plastic film is applied to teeth during a simple and comfortable procedure here at Dentistry by Design; once in place, the seal creates a tough barrier that can last up to ten years. We’re likely to recommend sealants for young children who are still learning how to keep these hard-to-reach areas properly clean with at-home oral hygiene, but adults can benefit as well in certain circumstances.
Nightguards for Bruxism
When you’re struggling with chronic facial/jaw pain, severe headaches, and tooth enamel that seems damaged and worn-down with no clear cause, bruxism (teeth grinding) could be the culprit. Our doctors will be sure to keep an eye out for these troubling symptoms during your routine appointments, and if we find cause for concern, a nightguard may be in order. These custom oral appliances are designed to fit comfortably over teeth and prevent dangerous contact throughout the night, helping patients wake up feeling better than ever.
Sportsguards
If you or your child loves playing sports that involve the possibility of physical contact with objects or other players, it’s important to protect the smile just as vigorously as you do the head, elbows, and knees. Instead of relying on an uncomfortable, one-size-fits-all sportsguard from the local athletics store, we can create an oral appliance here in Bartlesville with the patient’s unique mouth in mind for a superior fit. Our team wants you to feel comfortable and confident out on the field or court!
Fluoride Treatment
Most tap water in the United States today contains fluoride, a valuable mineral that has been shown through research to strengthen teeth and help reduce decay. Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of bottled water has left many patients with fluoride deficiency. During regular checkups, our doctors will take a close look at your teeth to determine whether or not you may benefit from additional fluoride treatment. Our team can also recommend a fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse products, if needed.