Preventive Dentistry Pantego

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Dr. Shah strongly recommends that children and adults alike attend at least two thorough checkups and cleanings a year. These routine visits are the most effective way to achieve and maintain excellent oral health, and they allow our team to locate potential concerns and address them at the earliest stages.

During your regular evaluation, our team visually examines every aspect of your mouth and related structures, including teeth, gums, lips, palate, cheeks, bite, jaw joints, existing restorations, and even the face and neck. Digital X-rays allow us to view tricky or hidden areas to form a complete understanding of your dental needs. Once Dr. Shah has all of this information, she can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your oral healthcare concerns.

Over time, you may experience the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. This sticky, bacteria-filled substance is relatively harmless as long as it’s cleared away fast with brushing and flossing. However, spots that are allowed to linger can turn into hard deposits and can only be removed with the help of a professional hygienist. Our team at South Arlington Dental Care is happy to take care of this problem by performing a thorough cleaning during your six-month visit.

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Oral Cancer Screenings

Everyone hears about cavities and periodontal disease in the dentist’s office but what about oral cancer? On average, this dangerous condition claims one life every hour, and over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer don’t go on to live more than five years past their initial diagnosis. Here in Pantego, Dr. Shah takes the threat of oral cancer very seriously, which is why our team makes oral cancer screenings a crucial part of every routine checkup.

Tell-tale signs of oral cancer include red or white spots within the mouth, slowly healing oral sores, lumps or thickened areas, and pain located in the tongue or lips. During your screening, our team carefully searches for these symptoms and more, taking note of any potentially cancerous areas. If we find cause for concern, a biopsy may be required to determine whether or not oral cancer is present.

Nightguards for TMJ/Bruxism

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?

• Teeth that are inexplicably worn down or damaged
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Morning headaches
• Jaw muscles that feel overly tired or tight in the morning
• Pain that resembles an earache

If you find yourself nodding along with this list, you may be suffering from bruxism. Also known as teeth grinding, this condition negatively affects countless men and women every day, and without a solution, patients may eventually develop debilitating discomfort that’s indicative of TMJ disorder. Here at South Arlington Dental Care, Dr. Shah can help with a personalized nightguard. By wearing this oral appliance at night, patients protect their teeth from the damaging effects of grinding.

Sportsguards for Active Athletes

Participating in athletic events should be fun for you and your children; the last thing you want to worry about is whether your smile may get hurt in the process. Dr. Shah strongly recommends that patients wear customized sportsguards from our Pantego office when participating in activities that include possible contact with hard surfaces or other players. We always ensure that your oral appliance fits properly and feels comfortable, so you enjoy yourself to the fullest!

Children's Dentistry

We love seeing children at South Arlington Dental Care! Dr. Shah is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has taken numerous courses in children's dentistry. She has extensive experience with children of all ages and special needs. Dr. Shah has the skills and knowledge needed to help your child feel comfortable and at ease on the path toward lifelong oral health.

The AAPD recommends children be seen by a dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in, usually around the age of one. This visit will provide a dental home for your child and allow for early examination and preventive care that will protect your child’s teeth now and in the future. We can provide sealants, fluoride treatments, and sportsguards to help protect teeth from decay, trauma, and injuries. Twice annual checkups and cleaning visits will not only help us identify tooth decay and gum disease but also help us evaluate growth patterns and any potential need for orthodontics.

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Digital X-Rays

X-rays have become an essential part of the dental care process, allowing doctors to consult a more accurate image of the patient’s oral health needs and problems that may be lurking below the teeth and gums. Traditional X-rays, however, brought with them several problems, such as the tedious development time and the significant doses of radiation. Today, Dr. Shah offers digital radiography as a significantly improved and safer method for helping patients of all ages in Pantego, TX.

Digital X-rays come with significant advantages when compared to traditional models. Once they’re captured, the detailed files can instantly be accessed on our nearby computer monitor. In fact, our team members can magnify and color-code the image, so patients have a better understanding of what they’re looking at. X-rays can be easily transferred to outside specialists and insurance companies as well, and the amount of necessary radiation is reduced by up to 90%.

Quality Oral Hygiene Products

Using the right tools and products can make all the difference in your oral hygiene routine, as well as at our Pantego, TX, practice. After all, Dr. Shah wants to provide your family with the best the dental world has to offer. If you’re unsure about the right toothpaste, oral rinses, and other items to purchase, our team can offer personalized recommendations that are sure to exceed expectations.