Preventive Dentistry

In Germantown

We understand that life gets busy, but postponing your biannual dental exam can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour, and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

A regularly scheduled hygiene appointment is the cornerstone of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. We'll even help reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. For most patients, we recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months.

However, keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings. We recommend that you use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone. These are the best techniques to protect your healthy smile.

Using the latest technology, we can quickly and safely create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure. These images enable us to make accurate diagnoses and design personalized treatment plans. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency or oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

A fluoride treatment is one of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy. After your cleaning, we can apply a fluoride-rich varnish to the surface of your teeth to help fortify your enamel. We may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes following your visit. By strengthening the enamel, fluoride makes the teeth more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods.

Both children and adults can benefit from this proven preventive treatment. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of your back teeth. Even with diligent brushing, these microscopic crevices can trap food and bacteria. Dental sealants significantly reduce your risk of cavities by creating a smooth, protective barrier that's nearly invisible. It's a quick, painless procedure that can save you time and money by preventing more extensive dental work down the road.

We focus on keeping your gums healthy through personalized periodontal care designed to prevent, detect, and treat gum disease. From routine cleanings and thorough evaluations to advanced treatment options, we’re here to support every stage of your oral health. By combining patient education with a whole-health approach, we help you maintain not just a healthy smile—but overall wellness.

An oral cancer screening is part of every preventive visit. During this exam, Dr. Oxner will examine all hard and soft tissues in your mouth. If necessary, we may recommend having a biopsy analyzed by a specialist. Conducting a regular oral cancer screening allows us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between the teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.