Preventive Dentistry Meridian

The Starting Point for a Healthier Smile

Smiling man sitting on couch after preventive dentistry visit

Drs. Ahern and Arnold may be highly skilled in restorative dentistry, but reducing the chances of a patient needing more complex care is the ultimate goal. Whether it is an individual who needs another application of fluoride for better protection, a patient who requires a custom nightguard to protect against teeth grinding, or someone who needs a general checkup, we can serve as the starting point for a healthier smile to emerge with regular preventive dentistry in Meridian. Call us today to schedule an appointment if it has been more than six months since your last visit to the dentist.

Why Choose RidgeGate Dental for Preventive Dentistry?

  • State-of-the-Art Technology Designed for Improved Imaging
  • Dentists Who Are Professionally Trained and Experienced
  • Personalized Attention & Treatment From Our Skilled Dental Team

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

Woman receiving a dental checkup

Recommended every six months by our RidgeGate Dental team, we use high-end dental technology to examine and diagnose signs of decay, cavities, gum disease, or bite misalignment during routine dental checkups. We can also tell if any abnormalities align with oral cancer. But no six-month visit is complete without a thorough teeth cleaning that remove built-up plaque and tartar from teeth and the gumline. In the end, we will discuss any proposed treatment plan so that you understand how best to move forward.

Gum Disease Treatment

Close up of smile with red spot in the gums

Affecting more than half of the adults in the United States, gum disease is an attack on the soft oral tissues that can lead to devastating consequences, such as bone and tooth loss as well as diabetes, heart disease, and impaired cognitive decline. But Drs. Ahern and Arnold can use scaling and root planing, otherwise known as deep cleaning, to eliminate plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline before smoothing the tooth roots to discourage reinfection and encourage gums to reattach to teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

Young woman in dental chair with fluoride trays on her teeth

Your tooth enamel needs optimal protection, as it is exposed to all types of bacteria and harmful particles throughout the day. This is why we recommend fluoride treatment for all patients. As a natural mineral known for its ability to strike against harmful decay and strengthen the enamel, its quick and painless application can keep teeth better protected between appointments. Even if you are exposed to fluoride through the water you drink or toothpaste you use, there is no harm in adding another layer when visiting the dentist’s office.

Dental Sealants

Illustrated row of teeth with dental sealants

Dental sealants are clear coatings that are applied over the chewing surfaces of molars. These teeth contain grooves and crevices that make it easy for bacteria to become trapped. Over time, plaque will form, resulting in cavities. Commonly recommended for younger patients, sealants can be applied to any type of smile, especially if it is prone to decay, and can last for up to a decade.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Hand holding a white nightguard

Stress and a misaligned bite are two of the most common reasons for bruxism. More commonly referred to as teeth grinding/clenching, this unhealthy habit predominantly occurs at night, while you’re asleep. With a customized nightguard created by our team at RidgeGate Dental, we can minimize the damage to tooth enamel and alleviate jaw pain with the help of this unique barrier that keeps the upper and lower rows of teeth from touching.