What Makes Our Preventive Approach Different
Dr. Donna Peterson and her skilled team don’t just clean your teeth and send you on your way. They take time to understand your unique situation. Do you grind your teeth at night? Does dental anxiety keep you from scheduling appointments? Are you dealing with dry mouth from medications? These details matter because they shape your personalized prevention plan.
During your visits, you’ll experience:
- Comprehensive examinations that check every aspect of your oral health, from tooth enamel to bite alignment
- Professional cleanings that remove tartar buildup your toothbrush can’t reach
- Digital X-rays that reveal problems hiding beneath the surface before you feel any symptoms
- Oral cancer screenings performed during routine visits to catch warning signs early
- Customized home care advice based on your specific needs and challenges
The team doesn’t lecture you about flossing (though they’ll encourage it). Instead, they show you techniques that actually work for your lifestyle and answer questions without making you feel judged.
Core Services That Protect Your Smile
Regular Cleanings and Exams
You’ve probably heard you should visit the dentist twice a year, but do you know why? Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cause cavities and gum disease. Dr. Donna Peterson uses these appointments to spot early warning signs—a small chip, slight gum recession, or wear patterns that suggest grinding. Catching these issues early means simpler, less invasive solutions.
Fluoride Treatments and Sealants
These protective treatments strengthen your teeth against decay. Fluoride remineralizes enamel that’s starting to weaken, while sealants create a barrier on back teeth where food particles love to hide. Kids especially benefit from sealants, but adults with deep grooves in their molars can too.
Gum Disease Prevention
Healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush. If yours do, that’s your body waving a red flag. Our approach to preventative dentistry in Stockton includes thorough gum assessments and deep cleanings when needed. Dr. Donna Peterson monitors gum pocket depths and inflammation levels to stop periodontal disease before it advances.
Patient Education
Knowledge empowers you to make better choices between dental visits. The team teaches proper brushing techniques (yes, there’s a right way), explains which foods help or harm your teeth, and suggests products worth your money. They want you to feel confident managing your oral health at home.
The Role of Technology in Prevention
Modern dentistry offers tools that make prevention more effective and comfortable. Digital X-rays expose you to significantly less radiation while providing clearer images. Intraoral cameras let you see what Dr. Donna Peterson sees, making it easier to understand treatment recommendations. These technologies help detect problems impossibly small to spot with the naked eye.