Preventative Dentistry for the Whole Family in Manchester, VT

Preventative dentistry has one purpose, to preserve natural teeth and supporting structures in a healthy environment. This goal starts with proper home oral hygiene techniques, followed by our team’s professional efforts, and a balanced diet. 

Check-Ups & Cleanings

Dr. Cech is passionate about patient education and believes that compassionate dentistry starts with well-informed patients. On a routine visit to our office, you can expect the following: 

  • X-Rays: One of our skilled assistants or hygienists will assess the need for “check-up” or complaint-based radiographs.

  • Oral Cancer Screening: Dr. Cech or our trained dental hygienists will perform an Oral Cancer Screening, inspecting the face, tongue, soft oral tissue, lips, neck, and throat for common signs of this condition.

  • Periodontal Screening: A periodontal (gum) screening consists of checking the gum and bone for signs of periodontal disease. (Learn more about Periodontal Treatments).

  • DIAGNOdent: This advanced laser helps us detect decay in its earliest stages, long before it’s visible on the tooth surface. This allows us to identify problem areas early, keeping your treatments as conservative as possible.

  • Prophylaxis/Pocket reduction procedures/ Deeper scalings. Your hygiene appointment(s) start with the removal of calculus (the hardened deposits of plaque, also known as tartar) above and below the gum line. Sticky plaque is also removed from your teeth and gums to prevent decay and infection. If additional therapies are needed, they will be fully explained and delivered. The bone and gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth and overall health. Finally, teeth are polished to remove any remaining minor stains and make your smile sparkle!

Dental Sealants & Children’s Dentistry

Our Manchester practice welcomes patients as early as 3 years of age, and the team is experienced in providing safe, fun appointments for you and your little ones. We provide routine check-ups by keeping an eye out for potential dental problems, alignment concerns as well as home-care instruction. Dr. Cech also highly recommends dental sealants for younger patients who are still establishing their oral hygiene routines. Dental sealants involve applying a coating to the grooves of adult teeth that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach. By adding an extra layer of protection to this area, we can strengthen the mouth’s natural defenses and potentially reduce damage to these areas.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral found in treated water supplies and is essential to the developing teeth of children by strengthening the enamel. Most people have fluoridated water, but many live in an area where this is not available. We recommend fluoride supplements for children based on age/weight while the permanent teeth are still developing and forming enamel. In addition, we recommend topical fluoride treatments for younger children to toothpaste for adults which have a higher concentration of fluoride. Fluoride is also beneficial to patients of all ages that are hypersensitive to temperature or prone to decay. Patients who have numerous restorations in their mouths benefit by using fluoridated toothpaste to maintain the health and integrity of these restorations.

Protective Mouthguards

A mouthguard can be a huge help in protecting an athlete’s teeth. Sports that involve any level of contact put athletes at higher risk of tooth and jaw injuries. While we know generic sports guards are available over the counter and in athletic supply stores, we highly recommend one custom fitted for your mouth, providing an appliance that is both more comfortable and effective in protection.

TMJ/Bruxism Therapy

Did you know that nearly 80% of people struggle with teeth grinding or clenching (also known as bruxism)? As a part of your initial exam, an occlusal assessment is done on all new patients to ensure teeth (along with facial muscles) function as they should. If you struggle with pain from grinding or clenching, we may recommend an occlusal guard to protect your teeth and dentistry from these potentially destructive forces. This therapy can also reduce tension and discomfort in the facial, neck, and upper back muscles.

We have seen many fractured teeth and restorations that happen during the daytime. Even if you are “covered” at night with an appliance,  mindfulness during times of heavy concentration or stress is recommended. Human dentition wasn’t designed to undergo long-term effects of clenching or grinding.