Preventive Dentistry

in Traverse City, MI

Coming in twice a year for dental exams allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular check-ups only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled electric toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities.

While often associated with children's dentistry, adults can benefit just as much from this proven preventive treatment. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of your back teeth where decay often starts. Even with diligent brushing, these microscopic crevices can trap food and bacteria. Dental sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that's nearly invisible and can last for years, significantly reducing your risk of cavities. It's a quick, painless procedure that can save you time and money by preventing more extensive dental work down the road. If you're cavity-prone or want to take a proactive approach to your dental health, ask us about whether sealants could be right for you.

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team is equipped to handle urgent dental needs with speed, skill, and compassion. From severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth and everything in between, we’re here to provide expert care that brings relief and restores your peace of mind. Just call our office, and we’ll make sure you get the attention you need—right when it matters most.

We focus on keeping your gums healthy through personalized periodontal care designed to prevent, detect, and treat gum disease. From routine cleanings and thorough evaluations to advanced treatment options, we’re here to support every stage of your oral health. By combining patient education with a whole-health approach, we help you maintain not just a healthy smile—but overall wellness.

While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of treatments and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Get in touch with us today to find out how laser dentistry can benefit you!

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

We will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. Using advanced VELscope fluorescent technology, we can detect abnormalities that would be otherwise invisible to the naked eye. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues.

We’re proud to offer something truly game-changing for athletes of all ages: NeuroGuard+, a performance mouthguard invented, patented, and designed by our very own Dr. Michael Hutchison. Unlike traditional mouthguards that only protect the teeth, NeuroGuard+ helps protect the brain by aligning the jaw into its ideal position, which can reduce the force of impact during sports collisions. It’s an innovative way to help lower the risk of concussions—something Dr. Hutchison has spent years studying and developing.

But that’s not all. Athletes who wear NeuroGuard+ often notice benefits beyond protection, like improved strength, balance, and breathing. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or on the ice, this personally fitted mouthguard helps you perform at your best—safely and confidently. If you or your child plays a contact sport, ask us about how NeuroGuard+ is a vital part of your game plan.

Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, headaches, or migraines? Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? You may have a form of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your pain so you can get back to living life with a smile.