Preventive Dentistry in Brentwood, TN
Preventive dentistry includes dental exams and teeth cleanings that protect your smile against cavities and gum disease. It’s better for your oral health to minimize your risk for these problems than to wait to treat them once they develop.
At Haley E. Schmitt Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we offer a warm and welcoming environment, and we genuinely care about the person behind the smile. Our patients are more like family to us, and we treat them the way we expect our families to be treated.
The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Think about preventive dentistry like auto maintenance; your car may be running well, but you risk breaking down and facing costly repair bills if you don't get timely oil changes.
With your oral health, your teeth and gums may feel fine, but teeth cleaning and exams (maintenance) help you avoid emergency dental visits and more complex treatment if your teeth “break down.”
Dental Exams & Teeth Cleanings Every Six Months
Dr. Schmitt recommends exams and teeth cleanings every six months; if you're at risk for cavities or gum disease, you may require more frequent checkups to maintain your healthy smile.
Dental exams and teeth cleanings are most effective when you brush at least twice a day, floss once, and avoid sugary and starchy foods.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
A six-month exam at our Brentwood dental office starts with a conversation with Dr. Schmitt, where she'll ask how you're doing and if you’ve noted any oral health changes since your last visit. Your comprehensive dental exam includes:
- Noting the condition of each tooth
- Evaluating your dental bite
- Checking for signs of gum disease or gingivitis
- Checking the condition of existing dental work
- Performing an oral cancer screening
We know our patients appreciate being informed, and our intraoral cameras let you see what our dentist sees during your exam. Dr. Schmitt uses the small handheld camera to capture magnified images of your teeth and gums that appear on your chairside monitor.
Instead of just explaining a problem, you can see it yourself and understand the benefits of treating it.
Teeth Cleanings with a Skilled Hygienist
Our hygienists provide teeth cleanings and periodontal treatment to ensure that your gums are healthy and stay that way. Gum health is essential, as gum disease is linked to numerous physical conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, dementia, and pregnancy complications.
During your cleaning, your hygienist checks your gums for gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease—that shows up as swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums. They will also perform a thorough teeth cleaning that includes removing plaque, the sticky, bacteria-filled film that coats your teeth.
When you don't remove plaque with conscientious brushing and flossing, it turns into tartar, a hard substance that only a hygienist can remove using specialized instruments.
If you have gingivitis, professional teeth cleaning will help stop it in its tracks. If they find periodontitis—advanced gum disease—they will book an appointment for a specialized cleaning called scaling and root planing and a treatment plan to prevent it from progressing.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam and Cleaning
Dr. Schmitt and her amazing dental team are delighted to serve patients in the greater Nashville metro area, including Brentwood, Franklin, Oak Hill, Forest Hills, Belle Meade, Nolensville, and surrounding communities.
Please call us at (615) 373-0883 to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Schmitt agrees with the American Dental Association and recommends scheduling oral hygiene appointments at our Brentwood, TN, dental office every six months.
Routine teeth cleanings are part of preventive dentistry that helps your family avoid gum disease and cavities. So, even if you brush and floss conscientiously and your teeth look and feel fine, routine cleanings with one of our skilled hygienists are still essential.
What a Teeth Cleaning Involves
Routine dental cleanings aim to remove plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth. Your at-home oral hygiene efforts are crucial, but your brush and floss can’t reach all tooth surfaces, and they can’t remove hardened plaque called tartar.
Tartar is a mineral-like substance that adheres to tooth surfaces and is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. During your cleaning, your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove all traces of tartar and leave you with a clean smile.
Stay a Step Ahead of Gum Disease
Your cleaning also involves checking for gum disease by measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets. About half of the US population over age 30 has some level of gum disease, and prompt treatment is the key to protecting your oral health.
If they find gum disease, your hygienist will create an individualized periodontal treatment plan to eliminate it or prevent it from progressing.
Are You Due for a Teeth Cleaning?
If it’s been six months or longer since your last hygiene appointment, please call our Brentwood, TN, dental office to schedule a cleaning.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Megan Chavana
Dr. Megan Chavana is a Texas native who earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She enjoys helping patients feel confident by creating healthy, beautiful smiles they can be proud of.
Dr. Chavana values building genuine relationships with her patients and believes education and trust are essential to long-term oral health. She provides preventive care, treats dental emergencies, and offers cosmetic dentistry in a comfortable, judgment-free ...
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