Routine preventive teeth cleanings and checkups help protect your smile, dental health, and well-being.

patient visiting a preventive dentist in augusta, ga

Preventive Dentistry in Augusta, GA

Gifts of toothpaste and toothbrush from preventive dentist in augusta At West Augusta Dental Associates, preventive dental care is the foundation of our practice. That’s because it’s always less stressful and less costly for our patients to be proactive and treat problems early on before they become more significant concerns.

Visiting your Augusta dentist biannually for preventive exams and teeth cleanings is a simple way to protect your smile, dental health, and well-being. These visits also help keep your smile bright and beautiful while protecting the health and function of your current dental restorations. We also screen for oral cancer, as early detection gives you the best prognosis for successful treatment.

6 Oral Health Care Tips for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

In addition to visiting West Augusta Dental Associates biannually for preventive teeth cleanings and exams, you can take several steps at home to improve and protect your dental health and keep your smile bright, healthy, and happy.

Consistent Home Care

Brushing twice daily and flossing once using proper tools and techniques is one of the best ways to protect your smile.

Mouthguard for Sports

If you play sports, a mouthguard protects your teeth and mouth from injuries and dental emergencies.

Eat Fruits and Veggies

A healthy diet supports oral and overall health. Fruits and veggies neutralize the acids that cause tooth decay.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water hydrates your mouth and body, combatting oral problems like dry mouth and washing away remaining food debris.

Avoid Tobacco

Using tobacco products significantly increases your risk of developing problems like gum disease and oral cancer.

Know the Signs

Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing can indicate early gum disease. It’s time to book an appointment with your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a dental cleaning and exam?

The quick answer is that healthy patients can visit their dentist every six months for exams and dental cleanings in Augusta, GA. However, patients who are managing gum disease may need additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to successfully control their condition.

So the true answer is that your hygiene schedule is highly personalized, and our dentists will tailor it to your unique needs.

Understanding Gum Disease

There is no cure for advanced gum disease (periodontitis), so it's essential to stay on top of your dental health with routine preventive teeth cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our dentists screen for concerns like gum disease and tooth decay, so we can often help you detect problems early on before they become more significant concerns.

Gingivitis, or early gum disease, can often be reversed if we spot it early and you are proactive about making the necessary changes to your home care routine.

Protecting your smile against gum disease also protects your overall health and well-being since it's closely linked with non-dental concerns like:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Dementia
High blood pressure
Stroke

Gum disease is also linked with pregnancy complications, such as low birth weights and pregnancy diabetes.

How does my dental insurance determine their allowed payments?

Dental insurance companies use several factors to determine their "allowed" or "approved" payments for procedures, which often differ from the actual fee charged by West Augusta Dental Associates or other dental practices.

Insurance companies typically create a fee schedule based on what they consider "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) charges for dental procedures in our Augusta, GA, region. These UCR rates are calculated using data collected from various practices, often averaged, and then adjusted downward. The insurance company calculates your benefits using this internal fee schedule, not our actual fees.

Understanding Network Dental Coverage

For in-network providers, these allowed amounts are contractually agreed upon. Since West Augusta Dental Associates is out-of-network with many plans, there's often a difference between our actual fee and what your insurance considers their allowed amount.

Your specific plan details also influence payment calculations. Plans vary in coverage percentages (typically 50-100 percent, depending on the procedure category), annual maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, and exclusions. These factors affect the final amount your insurance will pay.

Our team works diligently to help estimate your insurance coverage before treatment, but these are always estimates since insurance companies don't guarantee payment until claims are processed.

Contact Our Augusta, GA, Dental Office

If you have questions about how your specific plan calculates payments or need help understanding your benefits, please contact us at (706) 738-8070. We're committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits while receiving the quality dental care you deserve.

How often should I have an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screenings are a quick but essential part of maintaining your overall health. For most adults, dentists recommend an oral cancer screening twice a year as part of routine dental exams. However, patients with certain risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.

Regardless, staying consistent with screenings ensures that any concerning changes are identified and addressed as early as possible.

Identifying Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), or a history of HPV. Even without these risks, regular screenings are important because oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During a screening, your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, throat, cheeks, and lips for any unusual sores, lumps, white spots, or other unusual discoloration. The process is painless, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes. The benefits, meanwhile, can be significant, even life-saving, when a screening leads to early detection.

Preemptive Dental Exams and Oral Cancer Screenings in Augusta

If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about oral cancer screenings and how often you should be evaluated, contact Dr. Robert Turner and the excellent West Augusta Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation.

Does diabetes increase my risk for tooth loss?

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s especially important to stay vigilant about your dental health. If the condition is not properly managed, diabetes can significantly increase your risk for tooth loss.

This is because high blood sugar levels can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, increasing the risk of inflammation and periodontal (gum) disease. Over time, untreated gum disease can severely damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth, leading to loosening or even tooth loss.

Diabetes also tends to slow healing, which means minor oral health issues may progress more quickly. If you notice symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, dry mouth, or gum recession, these are all early warning signs of gum disease that shouldn’t be ignored.

Maintaining Oral Health with Diabetes

The good news is that consistent care can make a major difference. Maintaining a healthy diet, keeping your blood sugar under control, and strong at-home oral hygiene habits all help protect your smile. Also, visits to your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams allow for timely diagnoses and prompt, targeted care before emerging issues worsen.

Proactive Periodontal Care in Augusta, GA

If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about protecting your smile while managing diabetes, call West Augusta Dental Associates at (706) 738-8070 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding the Oral Systemic Connection

dental hygienist at west augusta dental associates demonstrating how to brush teeth Did you know that your dental health is closely related to overall health and well-being? The bacteria that cause gum disease are the same as those that contribute to chronic systemic problems, such as:

Heart disease
Dementia
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Rheumatoid arthritis
Complications during pregnancy

If you suffer from gum disease, you’re more susceptible to developing other health conditions and vice versa. When we can detect gum disease early, you have a better chance of treating and reversing the condition, protecting your overall well-being.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Gregory Clepper

Dr. Greg Clepper is a native of Augusta with deep roots in the local community. After graduating from Lakeside High ...

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Dr. Robert Turner

Dr. Bobby Turner is a native of Americus, Georgia, who graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University and the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. He began his distinguished career ...

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Dr. Carson Glore

Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Carson Glore earned her Bachelor's in Biology from Columbus State University before completing ...

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Preventive Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays

West Augusta Dental Associates uses advanced digital x-ray technology to provide safer, more efficient dental care. These state-of-the-art images allow our Augusta team to detect potential issues earlier while exposing you to up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.

Digital x-rays produce instant, high-resolution images that we can easily share with you chairside, helping you better understand your oral health. Our environmentally conscious practice also appreciates that digital imaging eliminates the need for harmful chemical processing.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Contact Your Team at West Augusta Dental Associates

Whether it’s been six months or six years since you last visited the dentist, you will find a welcoming and judgment-free approach at our dental office in Augusta, GA. We’re only interested in helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and we’ll meet you wherever you’re currently at with it.

You can request an appointment at West Augusta Dental Associates online or call us at (706) 738-8070 and speak with a team member to schedule your appointment.

Testimonial

We look forward to coming back for future cleanings!

My husband and I enjoyed our first visit at West Augusta Dental. The staff were all very kind and helpful and the office itself was very clean and had a calming presence. Courtney was our hygienist and she was very personable and made sure we were comfortable throughout our entire visit. We look forward to coming back for future cleanings!
-Jessica

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