Preventive Dentistry Melbourne
Where a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Begins
When it comes to your smile, you will find that prioritizing your oral healthcare needs positively impacts your mouth and body. Since they are closely connected, our dentists strive to improve not one but both areas using preventive dentistry in Melbourne, like dental checkups and cleanings, gum disease treatment, TMJ treatment, and more. We can detect early signs of dental decay, disease, infection, misalignment, jaw pain, and more, so that you get the personalized care you need to avoid costly and complex services in the future. If you’re ready to give your smile the attention it deserves, call to schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Eley Family Dentistry for Preventive Dentistry?
- Early Identification & Treatment with Digital Cavity Detection
- Our Dental Team Will Help Maximize Your PPO Dental Benefits
- Dentists Who are Third-Generation Melbourne Residents
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
If your goal is to enjoy life with a healthy set of teeth that work well, look beautiful, and remain strong, keep your six-month dental checkups and cleanings. This type of preventive care is considered the cornerstone of good dental health, providing early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other similar issues. By taking a proactive approach, our dentists can help you remain confident in your pursuit of long-term overall health.
Learn More About Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease treatment is necessary to keep soft oral tissues healthy and free of harmful oral bacteria so that you can embrace a properly protected and beautiful smile. Our dentists, Dr. Daniel Eley and Dr. Joel Eley, will use scaling and root planing as well as antibiotics to target pockets of bacteria, effectively removing them so that gums will reattach to teeth and continue to shield tooth roots from exposure. By addressing the infection, your smile will appear healthier and more visibly appealing over time.
TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment
Treating chronic jaw pain with a customized occlusal splint can give you something to look forward to when waking up each day. Instead of dealing with aching jaw joints and worn-down tooth enamel, the device can safeguard your pearly whites and alleviate pain by encouraging proper jaw placement. Over time, you will notice a dramatic difference in how you use your mouth to speak, sleep, eat, and even smile.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
With the right form of sleep apnea treatment, your days can be more productive thanks to your ability to breathe freely and achieve adequate rest. At Eley Family Dentistry, we use customized oral appliances to prevent airway obstruction. By moving the jaw slightly forward, the device keeps oral tissues from falling and blocking airflow. This life-changing solution not only allows for uninterrupted sleep but also leads to a better quality of life.
Dental Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?
A normal dental exam involves an oral cancer screening, a thorough examination of your gums, teeth, tongue, and other oral tissues, and an evaluation of the condition of any existing dental work such as dentures, bridges, crowns, and implants. Dr. Eley will check for signs of decay and infection as well as changes in bite alignment, and he’ll be sure to schedule you for an appropriate treatment or refer you to a specialist if necessary if he finds any issues. He will also be sure to answer any questions you have about your oral health and may recommend better hygiene habits for you to implement at home. The exam part of your checkup will probably take about ten to fifteen minutes, but some patients may need more time than that.
How Long Does a Regular Dental Cleaning Take?
If you are free from gum disease and visit us twice a year for checkups, you will probably need a regular dental cleaning that may take about thirty minutes. However, it will probably take more time to clean your teeth if you have excessive plaque accumulation, and we may have to schedule you for additional treatments like scaling and root planing if we detect advanced gum disease. Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that may require multiple appointments. The best way to make sure your dental cleaning takes as little time as possible is to consistently practice excellent oral hygiene every day, and it’s also a great idea to enjoy a thorough brushing and flossing session before your appointment.
Do Dental Hygienists Perform Professional Teeth Cleanings?
Dental hygienists are qualified to perform routine cleanings and polish patients’ teeth, and they are also trained to take X-rays, conduct oral health assessments, and measure the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and jaw joints. Our hygienists can also administer periodontal care and help you understand how to practice better oral hygiene at home.
How Do Dental Hygienists Clean Teeth with Braces?
It’s crucial for orthodontic patients to see their dentists every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, and neglecting to do so can lead to dental stains, painful oral infections, and frustrating treatment delays. While the process of cleaning braced teeth is similar to that of cleaning unbraced teeth, it may take longer since our hygienist will have to take special care to clean around the brackets and wires. We’ll also be sure to thoroughly clean along your gumline and polish your orthodontic appliances with a material called prophylaxis paste.