Preventive Dentistry
By practicing good dental hygiene, we reduce our risk of cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and secondary problems. If you don’t take care of your teeth, you may end up spending thousands of dollars in restorative and cosmetic care.
Preventive dentistry focuses on positive hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other oral diseases and conditions. Effective preventive care combines routine, daily maintenance by patients with the recommendations and treatments of dentists like Dr. Stuart Curry.
Procedures
Dental exams
Every new patient to Sturt Curry Dentistry receives a dental exam. This involves dental X-rays to gauge the depth of the pockets around the teeth. Based on these measurements, and by viewing the bitewing radiographs, we determine what if any disease is present.
Cleanings
Routine teeth cleanings are necessary to remove the buildup of tartar and plaque. This buildup is for the most part natural, but too much buildup can lead to gum disease.
Fillings
Dental fillings are a way to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. The decayed tooth material is removed, the area is cleaned, and the recess is filled with a material of your choosing.
Endodontics
The most common type of endodontic treatments involves root canals. A root canal is performed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, filled, and sealed.
Periodontal treatments
Periodontitis is a common but fairly preventable disease that usually stems from poor oral care. Most people know that it can lead to tooth loss and gingivitis but are un aware that it is also a risk factor for heart and lung diseases.
Make an appointment
If you are in the Birmingham area, and you think you may benefit from any of these procedures, please make an appointment to speak with Dr. Curry today.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We're accepting new patients from Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, and the surrounding area. We work with most major dental insurance plans, and our front desk verifies your benefits before your visit so you know what's covered. For treatments that aren't fully covered or for patients without dental insurance, we offer transparent estimates upfront. No surprises.
Call or schedule online to book your first visit. New-patient appointments include a comprehensive exam, the X-rays we need to see what's going on, a cleaning where appropriate, and time to talk through anything you'd like to plan for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does preventive dentistry include?
Preventive dentistry at Dr. Curry’s office includes routine exams, professional cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, root canal (endodontic) care, and periodontal (gum) treatment. Together these services prevent decay, gum disease, and the bigger, costlier problems they lead to. Most patients start with an exam and cleaning to map out their needs.
How often should I come in for a cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. Those with gum disease or higher risk factors, such as diabetes or a history of periodontitis, may need more frequent visits. Dr. Curry recommends the schedule that keeps your teeth and gums healthiest based on your exam.
Why does preventive care matter if my teeth feel fine?
Many dental problems cause no pain until they’re advanced, so teeth that feel fine can still hide early decay or gum disease. Good preventive care lowers your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and catching issues early helps you avoid thousands of dollars in restorative work later. Regular visits pay off.
At what age should my child first see the dentist?
Bring your child by age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. These early visits help kids get comfortable with the dentist and let Dr. Curry monitor how their teeth and jaws are developing, so any concerns are caught early. It sets the foundation for lifelong dental health.
What happens at a new-patient preventive exam?
Every new patient receives a comprehensive dental exam that includes X-rays and bitewing radiographs to measure the pockets around your teeth and check for decay and disease. From there, Dr. Curry recommends the right cleaning or treatment plan for you. Call (205) 972-3831 to schedule your first visit.
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