Family Dentistry

Callaway Family Dental provides general, restorative, and cosmetic treatments for patients of all ages. Our mission is to help families in our community achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We utilize the latest technology to deliver quality care that prevents and treats a number of oral health conditions including dental caries and gum disease.

Comprehensive Oral Care for the Whole Family

Your oral health is important. Receiving routine care not only prevents disease; it can save you money and time spent on invasive treatments when oral health issues advance. From toddlers to seniors, our family-friendly practice welcomes patients of all ages.

Establishing great oral health begins in childhood. Beyond administering gentle and effective general dentistry treatments, our team helps provide oral health education to parents and children alike. Oral health education teaches patients about the importance of oral hygiene, symptoms and risk factors for common oral conditions, and healthy dietary choices for optimal wellness.

The Importance of Checkups and Cleanings

Neglecting your oral health can take a toll on your wellbeing. Keeping routine appointments for checkups and cleanings gives our dentist a chance to detect potential problems as early as possible. Early detection is essential for reducing oral health-related costs and preventing the need for invasive treatments when oral health conditions progress to their advanced stages.

The thorough nature of a dental checkup might surprise you. Checkups can detect more than just cavities and gingivitis. For example, a checkup can reveal:

  • Tooth wear
  • Fungal and bacterial infections
  • Orthodontic concerns
  • Inadequate or improper oral hygiene practices
  • Developmental issues
  • Oral cancer

Family Dentistry | Callaway Family Dental | Fulton MO

Like checkups, professional cleanings are a powerful weapon in your arsenal against oral health conditions. Cleanings remove surface debris that cannot be cleaned with brushing and flossing at home. A dental cleaning will remove plaque and tartar accumulation on teeth and at the gum line. These substances are major contributors to the development of periodontal (gum) disease. Cleanings are non-invasive and affordable.

Benefits of professional cleanings include:

  • Reduced risks for gum disease
  • Early detection of dental caries and gingivitis
  • Removal of dental surface stains
  • Pleasant-smelling breath

Patients should have two dental cleanings each year, spaced about six months apart.

Preventive Dental Care

When patients keep regular appointments for checkups and cleanings, they increase their chances of potential issues being detected as early as possible. Some oral health issues can be addressed with preventive dental care. For instance, prescription fluoride treatments can be administered to reduce the risk of tooth decay and tooth wear. Fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen tooth enamel.

Another preventive treatment option is the application of dental sealants. Dental sealants are typically used among pediatric patients to prevent tooth decay but can also help teenagers and adults. A sealant is a thin coating applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. This treatment option can help keep bacteria and harmful surface debris off the most vulnerable areas of teeth.

Callaway Family Dental welcomes new patients. We serve residents of Fulton, Missouri and the surrounding communities. If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, call our practice to reserve an appointment with our dentist.

Common Family Dentistry Questions

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

There are a number of reasons why you should go to the dentist on a regular basis, all of which help safeguard your oral health. You might be surprised by what can be revealed during dental checkups and professional cleanings. For example, a dental checkup can lead to the diagnosis of tooth decay, bone deterioration, periodontal (gum) disease, and even oral cancer. Early detection normally results in securing cost-effective, minimally invasive care such as minor restorations for early-stage tooth decay.

When you schedule checkups and cleanings twice a year, you increase the chances of our team at Callaway Family Dental catching issues as early as possible. Moreover, routine visits help our dentist become familiar with your unique oral anatomy and the state of your oral health. If potential issues arise, we can help you address them with improved oral hygiene practices, dietary choices, and lifestyle changes to protect your oral health and overall wellness.

How often should I brush and floss?

Beyond receiving regular oral health checkups and cleanings, you should adopt a thorough and meticulous oral hygiene regimen to protect your wellbeing. Brushing and flossing are essential components of enjoying a lifetime of optimal oral health. Our practice and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once per day.

You should brush your teeth twice a day using ADA-approved toothpaste and toothbrushes. When brushing, be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth along with the roof of your mouth and your tongue. Keep in mind that it takes about two minutes to thoroughly clean all areas in your mouth. Flossing is best done at night, before bedtime. Once-a-day flossing will help clean between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach and just below the gum line.

How often should I have a cleaning?

Dental cleanings are necessary for preventing oral disease caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar. These substances contribute to periodontal disease. Even if you practice great oral hygiene at home, dental cleanings are still necessary because special instruments are used to remove tartar from teeth. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums free of debris, cleanings help our team keep track of your oral health. Our hygienists will look for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the depth and width of periodontal pockets. Hygienists can also detect signs of tooth wear and oral cancer.