Preventive Care
Preventive & Family Dentistry
Routine care that keeps small problems small — for your whole family.
Consistent Care, One Family at a Time
The most reliable way to keep dental work small and infrequent is to stay on top of routine visits. Preventive dentistry — exams, cleanings, X-rays as needed, and honest conversations about what’s coming — is the backbone of everything else we do.
We see patients of all ages, from children through adults, and we build appointments around your family’s schedule when we can.
What Your Regular Visit Looks Like
Comprehensive exam
Dr. Yates or your hygienist will check your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues — including a routine screening for signs of oral cancer.
Professional cleaning
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t reach. This is also when we polish the teeth and address any staining.
X-rays when needed
Digital X-rays let us see cavities and problems that aren’t visible from the outside. We only take X-rays when there’s a clinical reason — not on autopilot.
Home care coaching
If there’s something you can do differently at home to keep small problems from getting bigger, we’ll tell you. No lectures.
Preventive Services We Offer
- Cleanings for healthy patients and periodontal maintenance for patients with a history of gum disease
- Fluoride treatments when indicated
- Sealants for children’s permanent molars
- Custom nightguards for patients who grind (see TMJ & jaw pain)
- Custom athletic mouthguards
- Oral cancer screening at every routine exam
- Gum disease evaluation and early treatment
How Often Should You Come In?
The standard recommendation is every six months — and for most patients, that’s the right cadence. Patients with a history of gum disease or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Yates will make a personalized recommendation based on what she sees.
Cost & Payment
Most dental insurance plans cover routine preventive care at or near 100%. If you don’t have dental insurance, our membership plan is built to make preventive care straightforward and affordable.
Preventive & Family Care FAQs
At what age should my child start seeing a dentist?
The general recommendation is by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are short and get your child comfortable with the environment.
How often do I need X-rays?
It depends on your dental history and current risk. We take X-rays when there’s a clinical reason to, not on a fixed schedule.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time?
You’re not going to get a lecture. We’ll do a thorough exam, help you understand where things stand, and build a plan that fits your priorities and pace. You control the timeline.
Do you see children?
Yes. We see patients of all ages. If your child has specific complex needs beyond what we treat here, we’ll refer to a pediatric specialist.
Is a cleaning the same as periodontal maintenance?
No. Regular cleanings are for healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is more thorough and is used for patients who have a history of gum disease. Your hygienist and Dr. Yates will let you know which is right for you.
Time for a Cleaning?
New patient or returning — call us and we’ll find a time that works.