
Nov
Whole Health Dentistry in Santa Barbara, CA, lives up to its name and values by emphasizing preventive dentistry as the path to oral wellness and overall well-being. Dr. Cynthia Copeland has designed an office and created an environment that patients will want to return to for check-ups and professional cleanings that maintain healthy teeth and gums. Generally, this proactive approach is a comfortable, non-traumatic, and efficient alternative to reactive dentistry that merely treats problems after they arise. As excellent as your brushing and flossing may be, it is imperative that you still visit us for regular exams and professional cleanings. They serve as a foundation for exceptional oral health that supports the health of the rest of your body and your quality of life.
Even the most consistent and diligent brushers and flossers cannot possibly remove all plaque from their teeth and gums. Likewise, once plaque has hardened into calculus or tartar, standard toothbrushes and floss cannot remove these stubborn bacterial deposits. When plaque and tartar are not removed, they promote tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease – the leading causes of tooth loss.
Whole Health Dentistry’s professional hygienists are trained in using specialized technologies and instruments to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar gently and precisely. We have also invested in advanced tools, such as ultrasonic technology to promote the gentlest cleaning process possible. During these appointments, it’s an excellent opportunity for our hygienists to discuss and demonstrate techniques to make the process of cleaning hard-to-reach back teeth easier. Recommendations for products, preventive services, and practices are tailored to your one-of-a-kind needs.
During your periodic yearly exam, Dr. Copeland will use her knowledge and skill to identify problems such as enamel erosion and gum inflammation early, when they are easiest to treat successfully in a conservative and non-traumatic manner. The use of safe and advanced diagnostics also aids in Dr. Copeland’s ability to “see” those spaces where decay can hide. Diagnostic technology like digital radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) render clear images in a fast, gentle, and non-invasive way. Digital diagnostics are also associated with far less radiation exposure than conventional radiography. These tools help to inform an accurate diagnosis, which is then used to develop a treatment plan effective at resolving decay or disease. In addition to signs of decay and gum inflammation, your dentist will also screen for abnormalities that may indicate oral pre-cancers or cancerous lesions.
Dr. Copeland accounts for the “whole you,” not just your teeth and gums. We may discuss nutrition to support a healthy smile and body and other lifestyle factors or medical changes that can present new challenges to your good oral and overall health during ongoing visits. To get into a healthy habit of regular dental exams and professional cleanings, text us today at +1 (855) 441-0001 to schedule your visit with Dr. Copeland at the Whole Health Dentistry in Santa Barbara, CA.