Preventive & Family Dentistry
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The best dentistry is the dentistry you never need. The most important part of your dental care doesn't happen in our office - it happens at home. Daily brushing, flossing, and healthy habits are the foundation of lifelong oral health. Regular exams and professional cleanings build on that foundation by helping us find small problems before they become painful, expensive, or require more extensive treatment.
— Preventative Care
Healthy Smiles Begin at Home.
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We look forward to seeing you at Dental Haven!
What to Expect at Your Visit.
Your first visit is designed to be informative, comfortable, and personalized.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Complete exam and digital X-rays as needed.
Professional Cleaning
If appropriate, your cleaning is often completed during the same visit.
Personalized Care Plan
We'll review your findings, answer your questions, and discuss any recommended treatment.
Healthy Smiles Start at Home.
Regular dental visits are only one small part of maintaining healthy teeth. What you do at home between these visits is more important.
Good oral health also includes:
● Brushing twice daily● Daily flossing● Healthy dietary habits● Routine professional cleanings● Early treatment of dental problems
Preventive care is not only the healthiest approach - it's often the most affordable. Catching problems early can help preserve more natural tooth structure and reduce the need for more extensive treatment in the future.
How often should I have a dental exam?
Most patients should have a dental exam every six months. Some patients with a higher risk of dental disease may benefit from more frequent visits based on the doctor's recommendation.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
For most patients, a professional cleaning every six months is recommended. If you have periodontal (gum) disease or other risk factors, more frequent cleanings may be needed to maintain your oral health.
Do I need X-rays at every visit?
Not usually. We only take X-rays when they are clinically necessary to diagnose or monitor your oral health. If you have recent diagnostic-quality X-rays from another office, we may be able to use those instead.
At what age should children first see a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits help establish healthy habits and monitor development.
What happens during a comprehensive exam?
Your comprehensive exam includes a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and overall oral health. If needed, diagnostic X-rays are taken, and Dr. Matos will review the findings, discuss your options, and answer any questions.
What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is recommended when gum disease is present and removes bacteria and buildup below the gumline to help restore gum health.