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Preventive Dentistry
Healthy Smiles for the Entire Family

Teeth cleanings and exams are the simplest way to maintain healthy smiles for every member of your family.

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Preventive Dentistry in Florissant, MO

Preventive dental care is at the heart of all we do at Derhake Dental. Routine checkups and teeth cleanings with us help minimize your risk for cavities and gum disease that may lead to complex or costly treatment.

Dental Exams and Cleanings

Your dental needs are unique, and our dentist in Florissant will recommend how often you should see us for teeth cleanings. If your teeth and gums are healthy, every six months is probably enough; if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.

Your routine appointments are also the perfect time to ask questions or share concerns about your dental health with Dr. Spring. She wants you to feel informed about your oral health situation and will gladly take the time to answer your questions.

Professional Teeth Cleanings

Professional cleanings are an excellent starting point for maintaining your dental health. During these cleanings, your hygienist removes traces of plaque and tartar that brushing leaves behind. If they find signs of gum disease, they will recommend an individualized treatment plan.

Comprehensive Dental Exams

During routine checkups, Dr. Spring carefully examines your teeth and performs an oral cancer screening. She uses an intraoral camera to share a close-up view of your teeth so you can see what she sees. Visualizing a problem like a cavity or broken tooth helps you understand why we recommend treatment and how it will benefit you.

In some cases, you may benefit from a dental x-ray, especially if you are experiencing pain. The x-rays show us what we can't see with a visual exam, allowing us to diagnose the issue and plan the appropriate treatment.

The Link between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

Numerous studies show a close link between oral and overall health and wellness. You may hear this connection referred to as the oral-systemic link.

Researchers are still exploring how this connection works, but it's clear that chronic cavities and gum disease can contribute to numerous general health conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory illness
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Dementia
  • Stroke

Preventive dental exams and cleanings minimize the likelihood of conditions that put you at risk and go a long way toward helping you maintain a healthy mouth and body.

Don't Wait Until You're in Pain to See Us!

Waiting until something hurts to visit the dentist is not a good plan, as pain is often the last symptom that occurs. By the time you experience discomfort, the situation may be so advanced that it's more complex and costly to fix or even beyond repair.

Dental x-rays and visual examinations allow us to see problems in their earliest stages. Treating them promptly helps you save money and time and spare your family from tooth pain and discomfort.

Schedule Your Next Exam and Teeth Cleaning

Preventive dental exams and teeth cleanings in Florissant are the easiest way to help your family maintain excellent oral health and avoid painful or complex conditions.

If you would like to schedule your next dental checkup with us, please call Derhake Dental at (314) 921-0070.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Derhake Dental, we emphasize preventive dentistry, including regular cleanings and exams every six months. These visits are crucial to help you maintain excellent oral health and allow us to detect and treat dental issues before they worsen.

Routine Exams and Teeth Cleanings for Adults

During a professional teeth cleaning, your hygienist removes the buildup of plaque and tartar that lead to tooth decay. They will answer your oral health questions and provide recommendations on brushing and flossing properly and what hygiene aids you should use.

At the same appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to check for signs of cavities and gum disease. Treating these issues promptly prevents them from worsening and helps you avoid more complex and costly procedures in the future.

Preventive Dentistry for Children

Teeth cleanings and exams every six months are as crucial for children as for adults. In addition to checking for cavities, we can also provide preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride applications that help contribute to a healthier smile.

Schedule Your Family’s Next Dental Checkup

At Derhake Dental, we are committed to helping your family achieve and maintain lifelong healthy smiles. We love welcoming patients of all ages and look forward to meeting you soon!

Please call our Florissant, MO, dental office to schedule an appointment.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr Claire Waldman

Dr. Waldman is a St. Louis native who grew up in Clayton.

She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

Dr. Waldman’s practice philosophy is focused on collaboration with the patient, to understand a patient’s concerns, find solutions, and prioritize oral health.  Always with the goal of creating a beautiful healthy smile.

Dr. Waldman is a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

As a lifelong crafter, ...

Preventive Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays show us what we can’t see with a visual exam, including inside and between your teeth, where cavities commonly develop. Our low-dose digital x-rays are safe because they emit about 80 percent less radiation than film x-rays. They also give us much more detailed information, and we can share them with you so you can see what our dentist sees.

Your digital dental x-rays become part of your patient record, and we can easily refer to them as needed in the future. Since they are digital, your x-rays are also easy to share with your insurance company or specialists as needed.

Prevention Protects Your Family's Healthy Smiles!
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