We Keep Your Family Smiling with Preventive Dentistry in Fremont, NE
Dr. Justin Gufford and our team at Gufford Dental believe prevention is the key to keeping a person happy. Why worry about treating problems when you can simply stop them before they start? With every treatment, we will constantly keep an eye out for any small signs of issues that might develop into bigger problems in the future. This will allow us to treat them quickly, conservatively, and send you on your way without a care in the world. Be sure to contact us today so we can take care of your family’s smiles and keep them healthy for years to come. We’re also eager to serve patients from Arlington, NE and the surrounding areas.
Checkups & Cleanings
Two of the most basic tools in dentistry are checkups and cleanings, and that is because they are some of the most effective ways we protect your teeth and keep them beautiful. Two check-ups and cleanings a year go a long way in preserving your smile, and we encourage all of our patients to have at least two a year to get the best results.
For a dental cleaning, one of our skilled hygienists will use highly-advanced tools to thoroughly clean your teeth, specifically focusing on the areas most people can’t reach while brushing. This will clear away built up plaque and bacteria, which is the key way to stop cavities from forming.
Afterward, Dr. Gufford will perform an oral exam to look for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. He’ll then use his observations to come up with a treatment plan tailored to your particular needs.
Dental Sealants
If you’re a parent, you know it can be difficult to teach a child to brush their teeth correctly, and even harder to get them to do it every day. In order to help them while they are learning, we offer a treatment with dental sealants.
A dental sealant is a thin layer of composite resin that is applied to the back teeth in order to protect them from plaque and bacteria. These are the teeth most often missed by children (and adults as well) while they are brushing and where cavities often begin. Dental sealants give them a little bit of extra protection so that while you are teaching your little one about their oral health, you don’t have to worry about their teeth.
TMJ/Bruxism Therapy
Do you frequently wake up with headaches or a sore jaw? Do your teeth look short and worn down? If so, you might be suffering from bruxism, which is unconscious teeth grinding. This can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and even cause them to break over time. It also puts a tremendous amount of stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which are the hinges on your jaw that connects it to your head.
To address these kinds of problems, Dr. Gufford may recommend a nightguard. This is a small, custom-made mouthpiece that you would wear each night to bed. It would provide a barrier between your teeth to prevent them from grinding, as well as place your jaw into a more comfortable alignment so the muscles can relax and heal.
Children’s Dentistry
The dental needs of children are much different than that of adults and teenagers. Namely, they need a little extra time to get to know their dentist and a gentle touch while getting treatment. Being a family man himself, Dr. Gufford completely understands that when you’re taking care of your child’s teeth, you want them to get the utmost care.
At Gufford Dental, we will introduce your child to dentistry slowly. For their first visit, we’ll take them around the office, introduce them to everyone, and always make sure they are relaxed and comfortable. Every treatment will involve the slightest touch, and your child will always be able to ask questions. Speaking of which, you can also talk to Dr. Gufford as well about the best ways to take care of your littlest smile.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is actually the most common disease in the U.S., and affects about half of the entire adult population. It starts subtly, but can eventually develop into a very painful condition that is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults 35 and over. At every checkup, we will always examine your gums for the slightest signs of infection. If you are suffering from gum disease, we have a variety of procedures that can help treat it as well as prevent it in the future.
We can deeply clean your gums using a pair of procedures called scaling and root planing or a device called a soft tissue laser, and stop the infection from spreading using antibiotic therapy. While our goal is always to prevent gum disease altogether, we are completely confident that we’ll be able to help if you develop it.
Mouthguards/Sportsguards
Dental injuries are very common for both children and adults if they participate in sports. Even “non-contact” sports like basketball can be very risky for your teeth. To help protect your smile, we can provide a custom-made sportsguard. It adds cushioning to lessen any impacts you or your children may experience on their teeth and gums. Our sportsguards are made to fit each person’s particular teeth, meaning they are much more comfortable and effective when compared to generic, store-bought mouthguards.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Nearly 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. The best way to ensure successful treatment is to catch it early, which is why at your standard checkup, Dr. Gufford will always perform an oral cancer screening. He will check your mouth, throat, and cheeks for any signs of the disease. If he finds something that causes him concern, he can organize for you to get a biopsy.
The survival rate for oral cancer is well over 80% when it is caught in the first year, and only about 20% when it is caught after 5 years. If you have any persistent sores in your mouth that bleed consistently, or regularly use tobacco (smoking and smokeless), don’t hesitate to come in for an oral cancer screening, as it could be the visit that helps save your life.