Preventative Care

Preventative Dental Care

The Key to a Healthy Smile Begins with Preventative Care

At University Dental P.A., we want to keep you smiling for years to come. Our family dental practice is located in Columbia, SC, and welcomes new and existing patients of all ages. For a healthy smile, we highly recommend that you have regular checkups every six months. Staying on top of routine exams with your dentist allows our trained team an opportunity to identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Dental Care — Columbia, SC — University Dental PA

Our preventative services include regular teeth cleanings, scaling and root planing, fluoride treatments and digital X-Rays. We believe patients should fully understand what dental health means. These services allow our patients to achieve optimum dental health, and provide our caring dental staff an opportunity to educate our patients on the best dental care practices both in and out of the dentist's chair. Let University Dental P.A. help keep you achieve the smile of your dreams by calling 803-252-8101 today!

Gum Disease Diagnosis

Early detection and prevention for gum disease is critical to protecting your teeth, mouth, and gums. Our highly trained doctors and dental staff partner with our patients to prevent, treat, and manage periodontal issues.

  • What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
    • Loose teeth – Since gum disease usually results in bone loss, teeth can become loose, especially when clenching or grinding your teeth.
    • Redness or swelling of the gums – This is usually the first noticeable sign of periodontal disease.
    • Bleeding gums – Any bleeding of the gums should be considered a warning sign of gum disease.
    • Bad breath – It's very easy for plaque to collect in the spaces between the teeth, creating the perfect environment for the bacteria that cause bad breath.
    • Receding gums – This is another indication of gum disease and is not something you want to ignore. If you believe your gums are receding, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
    • Periodontal abscess – Bacteria can become enclosed in a periodontal pocket and the area will fill with pus, becoming swollen and painful.

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, it is time to give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to plaque. When combined with good dental habits, fluoride can dramatically reduce cavities and keep your mouth healthy. For most patients, we recommend fluoride treatments once or twice a year.

Protective Sealants

Dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the surfaces of the back teeth and acts as a barrier to help prevent cavities. Sealants can help to prevent harmful bacteria and debris from finding its way into your teeth.

  • Why should I have dental sealant applied?

    Your back teeth naturally have deep grooves that act as a hiding place for food and plaque during brushing. Sealants help "seal out" the plaque, which greatly reduces the chance of future cavities.

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