Prevention Dentistry
Let us give you the smile you deserve.
Preventive Dental Care Services
At Filler Family Dentistry, we believe in the adage: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Our job as medical professionals is more than just curing ailments as they become apparent, we focus our efforts on preventive dental care to stop oral disease before it can cause long-lasting harm and require potentially costly procedures.
Dental Hygiene
Helping patients maintain healthy, strong teeth is the most basic goal of dental hygiene. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings are vital in maintaining your overall health and detecting any disease symptoms in the earliest stages. Early detection of oral disease and prompt treatment by your dentist can not only save you considerable time and expense but can save you from the potentially irreversible consequences of advanced decay and infection. Dental hygiene and oral health are often taken for granted but are an essential part of our everyday lives!
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings adhered to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris that can form cavities in the deep grooves of your tooth. Sealants are completely painless, help prevent tooth decay, and are considerably more cost-effective than more invasive procedures like fillings.
Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer—which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat—can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Early detection and treatment of cancer-related lesions increases the treatment success rate of patients. We provide regular oral cancer screening for all our patients to provide peace of mind and stop cancer in its tracks.
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Learn More About Preventive Dental Care
Sealants
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic bacteria that cause decay. Even regular brushing often misses some of these areas since they can be smaller than your toothbrush bristles.
Sealants are a widely popular and effective part of prevention dentistry; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, dental sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface, followed by “etching” the grooves of the tooth, which allows the sealant to adhere better. After the sealant is applied, a light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.
Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene visits are very important. Since 92% of adults ages 20 – 64 have had dental decay in their permanent teeth, dental hygiene visits are often the first line of defense in maintaining your health and detecting disease early.
During your visit, we will start by taking any necessary X-rays to detect decay, followed by a visual examination of your teeth at the gumline for any sign of gum disease. We will also screen your overall health since your oral health plays a vital role in systemic health and vice versa. These overall health checks include screenings for oral cancer, the healthy function of your jaw joint (TMJ), and obstructive sleep apnea.
Finally, our skilled oral hygienists will remove any tartar and deposits from your teeth and polish them to remove stains. We can also provide preventative fluoride treatment and oral hygiene instructions to help you maintain your oral health at home.
Oral Cancer Screening
The prevalence of oral cancer has seen a 33% increase in the last 10 years and is often only detected in its advanced stages. To combat this, our offices provide visual and palpation oral cancer screenings as part of our regular examination during a dental hygiene appointment. Additionally, we also provide our patients with the most advanced technology to screen for oral cancer and detect abnormalities in the earliest stages, often when it is undetectable to the eye alone.
We offer both the ViziLite PRO Oral Lesion Screening System and the Velscope Enhanced Oral Assessment System in our office protocol. These oral cancer screening devices feature light-based fluorescence, which helps to detect early tissue changes that could be precancerous.
Fluorescence-designed visualization from this new device provides information that is fundamentally different from what clinicians see when they look in the mouth. Screening with these technologies is easy and painless for our patients and greatly increases the chances of early oral cancer detection and successful treatment.
Meet Dr. Anne Filler
Dr. Anne Filler is a dentist in Exeter, NH who has built a reputation based on uncompromising clinical excellence and an attention to detail. With an emphasis on dental cosmetics, restorative reconstruction, and facial pain treatment, our practice at Filler Family Dentistry combines science, technology, and artistry to ensure the best dental care for our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Prevention Care
Why Is Dental Prevention Important?
Dental prevention is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental issues like infection and decay. Regular preventive measures, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, and personalized treatments, help identify potential problems early on. By addressing these issues promptly, you can avoid more extensive and costly treatments later. Dental prevention also reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, ensuring a healthy and radiant smile for years to come.
What Is Secondary Prevention?
Dental secondary prevention refers to the aspect of dental care that focuses on early detection and timely treatment of oral health issues before they escalate into more severe problems. Unlike primary prevention, which aims to prevent dental issues from occurring in the first place through oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, dental secondary prevention involves proactive measures to identify and address dental problems in their early stages.
How Often Should I Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
The frequency of oral cancer screenings may vary depending on individual risk factors and guidelines from dental professionals. As a general recommendation, most dentists advise adults to undergo oral cancer screenings at least once a year during their routine dental check-ups.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants typically last for several years, with an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years. However, their durability can vary depending on individual oral hygiene habits, daily wear and tear, and the quality of the sealant application.
How Many Times Should I Do an Oral Cleaning a Year?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that most individuals should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice a year, which translates to every six months. Regular biannual cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and stains that may not be effectively addressed through daily brushing and flossing alone. However, the frequency of oral cleanings can vary based on individual oral health needs.
What Our Patients Have to Say…
“What an amazing team! Friendly staff, smart knowledgeable. I felt like i was at home, I wasn’t treated as a number. I will be staying with this team a long time.”
Jack White
“This place is always wonderful every visit, nice atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and informative of anything you want to know about your teeth.”
Aidan Roberts
“I have had a lot of work done over the past few years at Filler Family Dentistry including cleanings and crowns. Dr. Ann Filler, her dental hygienists, and professional staff all do excellent work and greet you with warmth. I highly recommend them.”
Leonard Allen
“I have a slight anxiety, especially when it comes to Dentist. Dr. Filler and the crew made everything relaxing. The feeling of comfort and reassurance that you are in good hands, is nothing short of Amazing. They are truly a Dentistry that sets the bar of excellence.”
Korey Harkins
“Love the team here! Kati always makes me feel like I’m visiting a friend instead of having my teeth cleaned. And Dr. Filler is very intelligent, shes great at explaining things to me. I know I am getting the best care here. I reccomend them to everyone!”
Sabrina Vail
“Dr Filler has done a great job updating the interior of her Exeter, NH office. I always have a wonderful experience at Filler Family Dentistry. The dentists, dental hygienists and office staff have a natural engaging way that makes you feel at home. My husband, son and I are all patients and highly recommend Filler Family Dentistry.”
Helene-Marie Collins
“Excellent dental practice, professional, competent, and caring providers. Highly recommended!”
Anne Young
“Just had the best dental experience at my new dentist! I highly recommend this dentist!”
Colleen Greene
“Super clean practice space, with consistently timely and well-explained interventions. Thankful and do recommend!”
Marissa Miller
Special Offer For New Patients
New patients can get the care they need—right away! All new patients simply need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay a one-time activation fee to start receiving specialized treatment through our Denvantage savings plan, with no processing or approval time needed. Your Denvantage plan will cover preventive and maintenance care and provide a flat discount on all other procedures. At Filler Family Dentistry, new patients only pay for the care they require, with no premiums or other hidden fees that are common with other insurance plans. Sign up today to save money on crucial dental care!
No Insurance — No Problem
No one should be denied treatment because of their insurance, and with the Denvantage treatment plan, you never will be! The Denvantage plan was developed by dentists to help their patients find the best care for their unique oral health requirements. Unlike dental insurance, which dictates the type of care that a person can receive based on the LEAT (Lease Expensive Alternative Treatment) principle, Denvatage is an all-inclusive payment plan more akin to a membership fee structure than traditional insurance. This means that you and your family can get the care you need for a simple, easily-understood price regardless of your insurance status.
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Same Week Appointments Available
With some of the most experienced and highly educated dental professionals in Exeter, we’re ready to help you take control of your oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today to see the Filler Family difference! We understand everyone is busy and schedules are tight! The best way to schedule your appointment as soon as possible is to fill out the form or give us a call now!