Preventative Dentistry in Bastrop, TX

A comprehensive dental cleaning and checkup at our Bastrop office includes several important services. Our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and provide professional flossing. Your cleaning typically takes 45-60 minutes. The dental examination includes checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer screening, and evaluating existing fillings or restorations. We take digital X-rays as needed (usually once a year) to detect problems not visible during the visual exam. We also provide personalized oral hygiene instruction and discuss any concerns you may have. Additional preventive treatments like fluoride applications or dental sealants may be recommended based on your needs.

Yes, dental X-rays are extremely safe and necessary for comprehensive oral health care. Our Bastrop office uses modern digital X-rays that emit 80-90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays – about the same amount you’d receive on a short airplane flight. We use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection. X-rays are essential because they reveal problems not visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, cysts, or impacted teeth. We typically take X-rays annually for adults and more frequently for children whose teeth are still developing. The benefits of early problem detection far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure from modern digital X-rays.

A regular (prophylactic) cleaning is performed on healthy gums and removes plaque and tartar from above and slightly below the gum line. This routine maintenance typically takes 45-60 minutes and is recommended every six months. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment for patients with gum disease, where plaque and tartar have built up deep below the gum line. Deep cleanings require numbing and may be completed over multiple appointments, focusing on one section of the mouth at a time. At our Bastrop practice, we’ll measure your gum pocket depths and assess your gum health to determine which type of cleaning you need. Deep cleanings help treat gum disease and prevent tooth loss.

Preventing dental problems starts with excellent home care and regular professional visits to our Bastrop office. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to remove plaque between teeth, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals. Don’t use tobacco products, which significantly increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Stay hydrated and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. Visit us every six months for cleanings and checkups so we can catch problems early. Consider dental sealants for cavity-prone back teeth and professional fluoride treatments if you’re at higher risk for decay.

Most dental insurance plans provide excellent coverage for preventive care, typically covering routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays at a high percentage with no deductible. However, as an out-of-network provider, Spring St. Dental works with all insurance companies to maximize your available benefits by filing claims on your behalf, verifying your benefits before treatment, and providing detailed estimates of your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Many insurance plans offer significant coverage for out-of-network providers, and our patients consistently tell us that the exceptional care they receive is well worth any difference in insurance coverage.

Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. When plaque isn’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, it irritates and inflames the gums, causing them to bleed easily. At Spring Street Dental in Bastrop, we often see patients whose gums bleed because they haven’t been flossing regularly or are using improper technique. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with improved home care and professional cleanings. However, if bleeding persists despite good oral hygiene, it could indicate more serious gum disease requiring treatment. Schedule an appointment with us if your gums bleed regularly – early intervention prevents more serious problems.

Maintaining excellent oral health between visits to our Bastrop office requires consistent daily habits. Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and proper technique. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breath. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially sodas and candy. If you do consume them, rinse with water afterward. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid tobacco products. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. Contact our office immediately if you experience pain, swelling, or other dental emergencies.