Preventing problems before they start: A guide to a healthier mouth with a blend of professional, home care
By partnering with Wes Park Family Dentistry, an aching tooth or treatment to resolve damage responsible for painful symptoms never has to be in your future! Many oral problems are prevented with consistent and proactive care. When damage caused by tooth decay and gum disease is avoided, your teeth function properly, feel comfortable and pain-free, and look great for a lifetime. Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging, and our team in Perry, Georgia, works closely with patients of all ages to preserve their healthy, attractive smiles during routine check-ups.
What can I expect from check-ups?
Exams and cleanings are a cornerstone of these regular and periodic dental visits. During the exam portion of the visit, our dentist, Dr. Bryce Westmoreland, will look inside of your mouth. He assesses the state and condition of the teeth and gums and looks for potential early signs of decay and periodontal disease. These conditions tend to be “silent” during their earliest stages. So, you may think your teeth are healthy when problems are actually lurking underneath the surface that require treatment. For what cannot be seen with the eyes or felt by touch, Dr. Westmoreland can pinpoint with safe x-rays. The cleaning portion of the visit involves our hygienists carefully removing plaque build-up from your teeth and gum line with a variety of professional tools and techniques. Only our professionals can remove hardened plaque (tartar) safely and effectively, and they also fight bad breath and promote dazzling white teeth by eliminating harmful bacteria and surface stains too!
How often should I schedule check-ups?
Our team helps you maintain the healthy habits necessary to prevent disease and support oral health, which promotes overall health and well-being. Before you leave our office, we generally want to get you “on the books” for your next check-up. That way, you are scheduled and less likely to miss these vital appointments or have them go on the back burner. Biannual check-ups are a general recommendation; however, Dr. Westmoreland assesses for any changes to your oral and overall health that could increase your risk of developing oral cancers, infections, and advanced gum disease. As needed, more frequent visits may be scheduled to stay on top of any health changes and monitor how well specific therapies or interventions to oral hygiene/home care may be working to treat the underlying condition.
What should I do in between visits?
Wes Park Family Dentistry loves to help patients better clean their teeth and gums. During check-ups, our team can review special techniques or tips that may be incorporated into your hygiene routine. We may advise on everything from better brushing and flossing techniques to special oral care products, such as bacteria-fighting rinses, floss threaders, and interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach spaces. Our team can also advise on ways to minimize the risks presented by habits such as having a “sugar tooth” or chewing on fingernails and other hard objects. As needed, we can even incorporate professional preventative services like fluoride supplements and dental sealants into your care plan to give you a “helping hand” in managing threats to the health of your teeth and supportive tissues
Don’t delay—schedule your check-up at our office on Wes Park Drive today! Call us at (478) 488-3561.
Bryce Westmoreland, DMD
Dr. Bryce Westmoreland earned his BSA in Biological Science with Honors from the University of Georgia and completed his DMD at the Dental College of Georgia, where he also served as Chief Resident during his General Practice Residency. He specializes in implant placement surgeries and restorations and has furthered his expertise through the AAID MAXI course. He and his team are known for their friendly, gentle, and empathetic care, creating a welcoming atmosphere where patients receive the highest quality treatments.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.