There are three key components to achieving optimal oral health: nutrition, daily oral care, and routine professional care. At Dr. Trinkner’s dental office in Columbia, SC, we offer comprehensive preventive care services to help you maintain a healthy smile. Routine visits to our Columbia, SC, dental office will include a thorough dental cleaning and complete examination.
Our dental care team will screen for common dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, occlusal instability, and TMJ dysfunction. At the same time, we will evaluate your jaw, teeth, and bite to ensure you do not have any problems that could cause pain or discomfort in the future.
If we find oral health issues, Dr. Trinkner will discuss treatment options to help you achieve a pain-free smile. Sometimes it is helpful to get a second opinion from a dentist experienced in treating complex cases.
Patient-Centered Dentistry in Columbia, SC
One reason patients choose Dr. Trinkner as their dentist is the time our dentists spend listening to their patients’ dental needs and goals. We believe that by informing patients about all their options, we empower them to make the best choices for their dental health. That’s why our team will help you choose the treatment that delivers the best results for your long-term goals.
The number one priority at our Columbia, SC, dental office is meeting patients’ needs with non-invasive treatment plans that strengthen and support their natural tooth structure. We give patients the tools they need to take care of their teeth for a lifetime.
A routine dental visit includes a thorough evaluation of your oral health. It also includes screenings for common concerns, such as:
- Screening for cavities and decay
- Periodontal screening for gum disease
- Oral cancer screening
- Professional tooth cleaning
- A dental and occlusal exam
Routine dental visits are the foundation of lifelong oral health. Dental checkups give Dr. Trinkner the opportunity to identify, monitor, and treat dental concerns before they become bigger problems. In the long run, this can save you both time and money, enabling us to work with you on the maintenance of a healthy, functional smile.
Dental Health Affects Overall Health
Dental health is often overlooked, even though it plays a key role in your overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic diseases. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid potential issues down the road.
For example, there have been numerous recently published studies that show a link between gum disease and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Gum disease can be a serious problem for pregnant women and may contribute to low birth weight and premature birth.
While gum disease is highly prevalent, affecting as many as 3 out of every four adults (according to the American Dental Association), it is also highly preventable and treatable.
Regular visits and periodontal screenings are critical to preventing and treating gum disease. They also help us get to know you and understand your unique risk factors for gum disease, so we can offer personalized oral hygiene care and advice.
In the early stages, your dentist can easily treat gum disease using special cleaning procedures and anti-bacterial rinses. Dr. Trinkner can advise you on additional techniques and tools you can use at home to help keep your gums healthy. To learn more about your gum disease treatment options, visit our Periodontal Therapy page.
Patient Review
Preventive Care FAQs
What should I do about my tooth pain?
The best course of action is to call your dentist for advice or request an in-person appointment. Toothaches can be a sign of various dental issues. The most common problem that patients have when visiting the dentist with a toothache is an unaddressed cavity.
When you try to alleviate tooth pain at home using medications, you are only masking the issue. Not visiting the dentist can cause more harm to your teeth by allowing underlying issues to go unnoticed.
What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
If your tooth is abruptly extracted due to an accident, try to locate it and save it. The best thing to do is to put it in a glass of milk or your own saliva to keep it healthy. Your dentist can reattach it if it’s still in good condition. If you can’t find it, we can replace your missing tooth with a variety of restorative options, such as dental implants or a dental bridge.
How can I prevent cavities while wearing braces?
We know that brushing and cleaning teeth can be tricky while wearing braces. The best thing you can do is to maintain an excellent oral health routine! Pay a little more attention to your teeth while brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
If you are considering getting braces, try Invisalign instead of traditional braces. Invisalign treatment allows you to remove your clear aligners before every meal so that you can brush and floss effectively before putting them back on.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Routine preventive care is the most important investment you can make in your smile. Skipping regular checkups often turns small, treatable issues into complex, costly problems. At Dr. Trinkner’s Columbia, SC dental office, we listen first and treat conservatively to help you avoid unnecessary procedures down the road.
Don’t wait for a toothache to remind you about your oral health. Call 803-400-8729 today or request an appointment online. We provide preventive dental exams and cleanings for patients from St. Andrews, Seven Oaks, and throughout Columbia, SC.