Preventative Dentistry in El Paso

The best way to maintain a lifelong, healthy smile is with prevention, catching potential issues early on and taking the right steps to mitigate simple problems before they become more complex—not to mention more difficult and costly to fix! Here at Prickly Pear Dental Care, our fundamental goal is to safeguard our patients’ oral health, and preventative dentistry is at the heart of this mission.

Here are some of the preventative dentistry services that we offer:

  • A patient receiving a dental x-ray as part of a comprehensive oral exam, similar to those that will be offered at Prickly Pear Dental Care.

    Exams

    These comprehensive checkups are used to assess your overall oral health and catch issues early before they become more serious. During an exam, Dr. Flores will evaluate your teeth and gums, screening for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Generally speaking, she’ll also take x-rays for an even closer, more careful look. Regular exams are key to maintaining a healthy smile and preventing costly dental problems down the line.

  • A patient receiving a dental cleaning from either a dentist or a dental hygienist, similar to the procedure that will be offered at Prickly Pear Dental Care.

    Cleanings

    No matter how diligently you care for your own oral health, plaque and tartar can’t be fully removed by brushing and flossing alone. During a professional hygiene visit, your dentist or hygienist will use special tools to gently clean above and below the gumline, helping to prevent both tooth decay and gum disease. To wrap things up, a polishing will help to leave your teeth feeling smooth and your whole mouth refreshed.

  • An image depicting a tooth that has received a dental sealant, a procedure offered at Prickly Pear Dental Care.

    Sealants

    Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your molar teeth to help prevent cavities. During this procedure, Dr. Flores will clean and dry your teeth, then paint the sealant material onto them, where it will quickly harden and form a protective barrier against bacteria and food particles. The procedure is quick and painless, and it’s a simple way to help prevent serious dental problems in the future!