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Preventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry

Protect Your Smile with Proactive, Personalized Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Rather than waiting for problems to develop, preventive care focuses on keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy through regular checkups, professional cleanings, early detection, and patient education.

At Harmony Dental, Dr. Tamsyn Burkett and Dr. Lauren Ing believe the best dental treatment is the one you never need, and that starts with a proactive approach to your oral health. Whether you are bringing your toddler in for their very first visit or you are a long-time Summerlin neighbor keeping up with your routine care, preventive dentistry helps you avoid more complex and costly treatments down the road.

We recommend a minimum of two visits per year, and every appointment is designed around your comfort and your individual needs. If it has been a while since your last visit, that is okay. We are here to help you get back on track. Call us at (702) 562-2400 to schedule a consultation.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the branch of dental care dedicated to maintaining optimal oral health before problems start. It combines professional in-office treatments with guidance on effective at-home habits, all working together to reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and other common dental concerns.

Think of it this way: a small spot of decay caught early might only need a simple filling. Left undetected for a year, that same spot could require a crown or even a root canal. Preventive care is about catching small issues before they become big ones.

When Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing see you consistently, they can identify subtle changes in your oral health early, often before you notice any symptoms at all. That ongoing relationship is one of the most valuable aspects of preventive dentistry.

Our Preventive Dentistry Services

Professional Cleanings

Professional cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive care. Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar build up in areas that are difficult to reach at home. Our hygiene team removes that buildup, polishes your teeth, and checks for early warning signs of decay and disease.

Each cleaning appointment at Harmony Dental includes three key components:

Diagnostic services – We review and update your medical history, evaluate your gum tissue, examine your teeth for signs of decay, check your biting and chewing patterns, and perform an oral cancer screening. If specialized care is needed, we coordinate referrals promptly.

Preventive services – Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar, eliminate surface stains, apply fluoride to strengthen enamel, and polish your teeth, including any existing fillings and crowns. For younger patients, we also offer sealants to protect developing teeth.

Educational services – We walk you through proper brushing and flossing techniques, offer nutritional counseling, evaluate how well your current home-care routine is working, and provide recommendations for any future treatment. For patients who use tobacco, we also provide cessation counseling.

Professional cleanings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your oral health. If you are due for a cleaning, give us a call at (702) 562-2400 to find a time that works for you.

Comprehensive Evaluation for New Patients

If you are new to Harmony Dental, your preventive journey begins with a thorough, comprehensive evaluation. This is more than a standard checkup. It provides Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing with a complete picture of your oral and overall health, enabling them to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

During your evaluation, we begin with an in-depth review of your medical and dental history, followed by a comprehensive examination of your head, neck, and intra- and extraoral hard and soft tissues. We perform comprehensive periodontal charting to assess the health of your gums and document all existing restorations, including their current condition. An oral cancer screening is included in every evaluation.

Depending on your individual case, Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing may also recommend full-mouth intraoral radiographs, Cone Beam CT 3D imaging, or an OralDNA/HPV saliva test to obtain the most complete information possible. From there, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your case and personal preferences, including recommendations for any necessary supportive care.

This detailed assessment allows us to establish a baseline and track your oral health over time, so nothing gets overlooked.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a quick, gentle, and important part of your routine hygiene appointment. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing perform these screenings because early identification is the single most important factor in successful treatment.

The process takes about two minutes and is completely comfortable. You may not even realize it is happening during your visit. But that brief check can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes, which is why we include it at every visit rather than treating it as an optional add-on.

Periodontal (Gum) Care

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is one of the most common dental conditions and often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. What makes it particularly concerning is its connection to broader health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Preventive periodontal care focuses on maintaining the structures that support your teeth by promoting consistent oral hygiene practices, routine professional cleanings, and ongoing monitoring.

During each visit, our team performs periodontal charting to measure the health of your gum tissue. If we detect early signs of gum disease, Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will work with you to create a plan that addresses the issue before it progresses. The earlier we catch it, the simpler and more comfortable the treatment tends to be.

Custom Mouth Guards

Protecting your teeth goes beyond the dental chair. Harmony Dental offers custom-made mouth guards designed for both athletic protection and nighttime use. Unlike over-the-counter options, our mouth guards are fabricated from precise dental impressions in a professional lab. That means a better fit, greater comfort, and a higher level of protection against broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions.

Whether you have an athlete in the family or you are dealing with nighttime grinding, ask Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing about a custom mouth guard at your next visit.

Advanced Technology for Early Detection

One of the most important aspects of preventive care is catching problems early, and that requires more than the naked eye. Harmony Dental uses advanced technology to give you and your dental team a detailed, accurate view of your oral health.

Digital X-Rays – Digital radiographs replace traditional film, offering a more efficient and in-depth view of your teeth and supporting structures with significantly less radiation exposure.

Galileos 3D Imaging CT Scan – This advanced imaging system captures sharp, precise three-dimensional images of your mouth in seconds, allowing Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing to assess bone structure, tooth position, and potential concerns with remarkable clarity.

Intraoral Camera – This small, non-invasive camera allows our team to explore your mouth in greater detail and capture high-resolution images. It helps ensure no dental issues go unnoticed and allows you to see exactly what we see during your exam.

These tools are not just about advanced technology for its own sake. They give you better information, a clearer understanding, and greater confidence in your dental care decisions.

Why Preventive Dentistry Matters

It is easy to postpone a dental visit when nothing seems wrong. But many common dental conditions, including cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, develop gradually and often without pain in the early stages. By the time you notice a problem, treatment is typically more involved and more expensive.

Consistent preventive care helps you avoid that cycle. When you keep up with regular visits, we can address minor concerns before they escalate into more extensive procedures. You maintain more of your natural tooth structure. You stay ahead of gum disease and its potential impact on your overall health. Most importantly, you stay informed about what is happening in your mouth so you can make confident, empowered decisions about your care.

Preventive dentistry is not just about your teeth. It is about your quality of life, your confidence, and your long-term well-being.

What to Expect at Your Preventive Visit

Your comfort is always our priority. If it has been a while since your last dental appointment, or if you feel a bit of anxiety about visiting the dentist, know that our team is here to make the experience as relaxed and straightforward as possible.
A typical preventive visit at Harmony Dental follows this general process:

1. Check-in and health history update – We review any changes to your medical history or medications.
2. Diagnostic assessment – Our team evaluates your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, and takes any necessary radiographs.
3. Professional cleaning – Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and applies fluoride.
4. Oral cancer screening – Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing performs a quick, gentle screening of your mouth, head, and neck.
5. Doctor exam and discussion – Your dentist reviews findings with you, answers your questions, and discusses any recommended next steps.
6. Personalized home-care guidance – We provide tips and recommendations tailored to your specific oral health needs.

Every visit is an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and make sure you feel good about where your oral health stands.

Preventive Care for the Whole Family

Harmony Dental welcomes patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Preventive needs change throughout life, and Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing adapt their approach accordingly. Children benefit from sealants, fluoride treatments, and early habit-building. Adults focus on maintaining healthy gums, monitoring existing restorations, and staying ahead of wear and aging. Every personalized treatment plan reflects where you are right now and where your oral health is headed.

Schedule a Consultation Here in Summerlin

Preventive dentistry is the smartest investment you can make in your long-term oral health. Dr. Tamsyn Burkett, Dr. Lauren Ing, and the entire Harmony Dental team are here to help you and your family stay healthy, comfortable, and confident in your smiles. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today. We look forward to welcoming you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry

How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?

Most patients benefit from visiting at least twice a year for professional cleanings and exams. That said, Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing may recommend more frequent visits depending on your individual oral health needs. If you have a history of gum disease or are managing other dental concerns, a more tailored schedule can help you stay ahead of potential issues.

What is included in a professional dental cleaning?

A professional cleaning at Harmony Dental includes removal of plaque and tartar, stain removal, tooth polishing, fluoride application, a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, and an oral cancer screening. We also take time to talk with you about your at-home care routine and offer personalized recommendations to keep your smile healthy between visits.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Harmony Dental uses digital radiographs, which produce significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Our team only recommends X-rays when they are clinically necessary to diagnose or monitor your oral health, so you can feel confident that every image serves a clear purpose.

At what age should my child start seeing a dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the appearance of their first tooth. These early visits help establish good habits, allow us to monitor development from the start, and give your child a positive introduction to the dental office.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning, also called prophylaxis, focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, is a more thorough procedure that treats early-stage gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will recommend the right approach based on the condition of your gums.

Does preventive dentistry really save money?

It truly does. Routine preventive visits are far less expensive than restorative procedures like crowns, root canals, or implants. Catching a small cavity early, for example, often means a simple filling instead of a more extensive restoration later. Consistent preventive care is one of the best ways to keep both your smile and your budget in good shape.

What can I do at home to support my preventive care?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, limit sugary snacks and beverages, avoid tobacco, and keep up with your scheduled dental visits. At every appointment, our team will provide recommendations specific to your needs, so you always know what to focus on at home.