A healthy and attractive smile, rooted in preventive dentistry
Preventive dentistry has been fundamental to Willow Creek Dentistry since we first opened our doors to the greater Rochester, Henrietta, and Brighton, New York area in 1981. After all, while we know that consistently good brushing and flossing are important to keep our teeth and gums healthy, these habits are not a substitute for regular visits to our office.
What does preventive dentistry mean?
This approach to dental care is all about preventing conditions from arising, rather than reacting to conditions after they have developed. We protect our patients from the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal/gum disease. Additionally, preventive dental care aims to prevent conditions from worsening. With twice-yearly checkups, Drs. Chris Calnon, Scott Koopman, and Molly Hatala can identify problems early, before they cause more damage and require more extensive treatment (or even result in the loss of a tooth).
What are the benefits of preventive dentistry?
Regular checkups (exams and professional cleanings) have many obvious and not-so-obvious benefits, including:
They keep your teeth looking great, supporting an attractive smile and your confidence.
These services minimize the risk of gum disease, which is itself a risk factor for systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
They protect the health and function of connected oral structures, such as the TMJ (jaw joint).
The exam goes beyond assessing your teeth and gums; it can also detect pre-cancers and cancerous lesions in the mouth and throat at their earliest stages (when they are easiest to treat).
Such proactive care saves you and your family time and money by preventing the need for more costly and extensive restorative dentistry.
They help to maintain your quality of life, as many oral conditions are notoriously painful. By maintaining your comfort and functionality, you can continue to be productive at work, enjoy your favorite foods, and sleep soundly throughout the night.
What does a professional cleaning entail?
Our dental hygienists are great at using special instruments and a skilled hand to gently remove surface stains, bacteria, plaque, and stubborn tartar from the teeth and at the gumline. At this step in your checkup, your gum health is also evaluated, and your teeth are polished to remove any remaining debris and stains. Patients love how fresh their mouth feels after a good polishing! Our hygiene team can also advise on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as oral care products to make cleaning your teeth easier and more effective.
And how is an exam performed?
Drs. Calnon, Koopman, and Hatala first visually inspect the teeth, gums, and the rest of the mouth for signs of disease or decay. What can’t be seen with the eyes can be detected with advanced diagnostics, such as digital imaging. These imaging techniques can be used to take a closer look at conditions such as “hidden” decay between teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses or cysts, or tumors.
Is professional preventive dentistry just exams and cleanings?
No. We can easily integrate other professional services into your routine visit. For instance, cavity-prone or developing teeth may benefit from fluoride therapy or dental sealants. Or we can explore oral appliances to protect your teeth and other tissues if you grind your teeth while sleeping, or to minimize the risk of injury during contact sports.
Now, we ask you: Has it been at least six months since you visited a dentist’s office? If so, or if you are concerned about your mouth, contact Willow Creek Dentistry right away—call (585) 889-2559 to speak with a member of our team today.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced team of dentists is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by advanced training and ongoing education.
Together, our doctors bring decades of combined experience, advanced clinical training, and active involvement in professional organizations. Their shared commitment to continuing education and modern dentistry ensures patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, trusted environment.
