How can we help you?
We believe that we can provide the highest quality dentistry when our patients are an active part of the decision-making process. Answering your questions isn't just a courtesy—it gives us an opportunity to explain things to you in such a way that you feel confident about the information you're receiving and what it means to you and the direction of your oral health care. No question is too small, and the only silly question is the one that goes unasked.
We've shared a few of the questions we hear most often below. You probably have plenty of your own, though, so please don't ever hesitate to contact our West Chester dental office, and we'll find the answers you're looking for.
Preventive Services
We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association that states a child should be seen by their dentist no later than age one.
Why Age One?
We understand this may seem young to some parents. However, the sooner we start providing preventive services like cleanings, the better the odds of your child enjoying a healthy smile. Early visits also establish a pattern of proper dental care for your child and help avoid dental anxiety that can last into adulthood.
Picture your child’s primary teeth as the building blocks for good oral health. Baby teeth are designed to hold a space for permanent teeth that will follow. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, surrounding teeth may start to shift into the empty space. This movement can lead to crooked or crowded teeth and a host of other oral health problems.
Kids' Dentist in West Chester
Of course, as parents, you want to know that your child is safe, secure and in good hands. At Joel R. Koch, DDS, we go out of our way to put your child at ease. These early visits set the stage for future oral health care, so we make every visit as pleasant and fun as possible.
If it’s time for your child’s first checkup, please call our West Chester dental office to arrange a convenient appointment.
A dental checkup is a routine treatment aimed at identifying and addressing a patient’s minor oral health issues before they develop into major problems.
Regular checkups give your dentist a chance to identify and quickly and painlessly address minor issues that could lead to cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay, but also to confirm the health of the bones and muscles in your jaw and check for potential signs of more serious issues.
Here’s what you can expect during one of these routine dental visits:
- An examination of your head and neck to ensure jawbone and lymph node health
- Full-mouth x-rays so that your dentist has a comprehensive picture of your oral health
- An examination of the mouth for cavities, loose fillings, fractured teeth, and early signs of gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, or oral cancer.
- A full teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your gums and the surfaces of your teeth
After a cleaning is finished, your dentist will discuss any potential issues that they found, suggest treatment options, and identify possible improvements to your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Preventive dental services in West Chester, OH
If you’re in the West Chester area and looking to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact dentist Dr. Joel R. Koch and the team at Joel R. Koch DDS to schedule an appointment!
Taking a few simple steps while your teeth are fully healthy can go a long way toward preventing a variety of painful, costly, and time-consuming issues down the line. This is the significance of preventive dental care.
What is preventive dental care?
An effective preventive dental care routine must focus on two fronts: at-home and professional care.
This means that, in our day-to-day lives, each of us must maintain a strong oral health routine, which includes brushing at least two times per day, flossing at least once a day, regularly rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, avoiding tobacco products, and eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Equally important is regularly scheduling routine cleanings and oral exams with your dentist. This is vital because these regular checkups allow your dentist to identify and take corrective measures against relatively minor dental health issues like cavities, plaque, and a misaligned bite long before they become major problems.
Additionally, these exams are a great opportunity for your dentist to screen for signs of far more serious issues, like gum disease and oral cancer, the early detection of which is often the key to successful treatment and a full recovery.
Preventive Dental Services in West Chester, OH
If you’re in the West Chester area and seeking a top-quality dentist to ensure that the minor dental issues you encounter never threaten your overall oral health, contact dentist Dr. Joel R. Koch and the team at Joel R. Koch DDS to schedule an appointment!