The routine preventative care a patient receives from the dentist is what is typically thought of as primary dental care in Colorado Springs. If the dentist should identify any issues with the patient’s teeth or gums he or she will either attend to the problem or refer the patient to a specialist. In a sense this is where the term “primary” comes from, it is an indication that this dentist is the patient’s first point of contact for dental care and the dentist who is responsible for managing and monitoring the patient’s oral health on a regular basis. Primary dental care can mean different things to different patients, it depends on the persons overall dental health any specific dental needs. For those individuals who have dental insurance they will normally find that their annual premium is lower when the insured visits the primary dentist rather than a specialist.
Perhaps the most common and routine example of primary dental care in Colorado Springs is a regular cleaning which to the dentist is known as a “dental prophylaxis.” Regular cleanings, usually every six months are an important part of routine dental care, the cleaning eliminates the buildup of plaque and tartar which helps in the prevention of cavities and various gum disorders. During the regular cleaning the dentist is given an opportunity to examine all the teeth to make sure there are no problems that need immediate attention. Perhaps of all the dental procedures, a regular cleaning and checkup are the most important along with daily brushing and flossing.
Primary dental care in Colorado Springs often requires taking oral X-Rays, this is necessary to check if there are any unseen problems, perhaps under the gums and to make sure the teeth do not begin to move once orthodontic care has been completed and the braces removed. Orthodontic care itself is not part of what to expect from your primary care dentist although he or she is the professional who will refer the patient to the orthodontic specialist.
Other equally important treatments that one can expect to get from the dentist who offers primary dental care in Colorado Springs can include tooth whitening, fluoride treatments as well as other cosmetic dental procedures, more extensive procedures will usually need the specific skills of an oral surgeon.
An important role of a primary care dentist is making referrals to specialists such as oral surgeons, etc. As the primary care dentist has all the patients’ records he or she can continue to monitor the teeth and decide if the patient needs further specialist attention.
It is extremely important that you and your family receive regular routine dental care in Colorado Springs. You are welcome to contact Dr. Marc Van Ness at Lehman Drive Dental for an appointment.
