PREVENTATIVE

Preventative

Preventative Dentistry for a Lifetime of Good Oral Health

Focusing on healthy habits for a lifetime of good oral health

We use a variety of techniques to encourage healthy teeth through all stages of life. When we start infants and young children on a path of proper oral hygiene and preventative dental measures, they’re able to realize a lifetime of healthy teeth and a natural smile.

Embracing New Technologies for Early Detection

We embrace and invest in new technologies that allow us to detect issues earlier than ever before! The benefits to early tooth decay detection allow our patients to avoid costly and painful procedures, while opening up a realm of non-invasive prevention techniques that have our patients leaving with a smile!

Preventative Dental Services

  • Cleaning/Polishing

    Dental cleanings (also known as prophylaxis) for our adult and young patients are an integral part of preventative dentistry, as well as fluoride and sealants. We offer two unique polishing choices that are both fast, gentle, and quiet, as well as effective. Our cordless polisher allows hygienists more flexibility and range of motion so patients experience a gentler touch without the inconvenience of an attached cord. Our Prophy Jet polisher polishes teeth with precision, using a combination of water, powder, and air to give the feeling of a nearly touch-free experience. You’ll leave with your teeth looking and feeling great!

  • Diagnostics and the DIAGNOdent Diagnostic Laser

    Comprehensive oral examinations, digital & panoramic x-rays, and digital photographs help to guide the restorative dentistry process. This aids in the early detection of caries, or tooth decay, which allows us to give patients what they really want: healthy and attractive teeth. We use the DIAGNOdent Diagnostic Laser and Intraoral Camera, which is the latest in diagnostic technology. 


    DIAGNOdent is a laser that finds hard-to-spot areas of tooth decay. The device is a compact laser used to identify areas of tooth decay that are missed by traditional means, including X-rays. The diagnostic ‘reading’ it gives helps us diagnose decay at its initial stages and allows for early, minimally invasive treatment of your tooth.

  • Periodontics

    Periodontics includes perio scaling and root planing, provisional splitting, and chemotherapeutic agents. 


    Schick Digital

    This takes x-rays of your teeth using digital technology that allows up to 90% less radiation and a clearer picture. Through the use of Schick Digital X-rays, we’re able to utilize this patient-friendly digital technology to get a clear, digital picture of your teeth. 


    SOPROLIFE® Intraoral Camera

    See the invisible…Dentistry has changed forever. SOPROLIFE® allows you to see what was once invisible to the naked eye by providing greater accuracy in identifying, evaluating, and determining the location of a carious lesion with image magnification of 30 to 115 times. It offers the ability to detect tooth decay at different stages of its development, allowing us to determine the most effective, accurate course of treatment.


    Blue LED lights are activated and variations in the architecture result in visible color changes to the tooth’s image detecting decay. This allows us to involve you in visually observing your own decay at its earliest stages when it can be missed by X-rays. Also, during the treatment of these carious lesions, SOPROLIFE® allows us to clearly differentiate healthy tissue from infected tissue in order to excavate the affected areas.


    Galileos 3D Imaging

    Hutchinson Dental Center is one of just a handful of offices in the State of Minnesota that owns and regularly uses this piece of diagnostic equipment. With its large, spherical volume, the Galileos not only captures an image of the entire jaw, including the jaw joints, but also all important anatomical structures of the craniofacial region. 


    Using just the lowest necessary dose of radiation, Galileos creates a very detailed representation of the craniofacial region comparable with the resolution of a CT scan at a simultaneously drastically reduced patient dose. 


    This 3D imaging equipment has superior diagnostics for all indications including:

    • Maxillary sinus diagnosis
    • 3D diagnosis in the middle ear region
    • 3D volume determination of the upper respiratory passage
    • 3D diagnosis of nasal obstructions, displaced teeth, cysts, retained roots & cleft lip/jaw/palate
    • Fracture diagnostics
    • Comprehensive evaluation of eruption pattern of permanent teeth
    • Assessing the surgical conditions for dental implants and extraction of teeth
    • Recognizing the finest structures when detecting root fractures and traumas
  • Custom Mouth Guards

    Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouth Guard

    We understand the importance of protecting your smile during sports and high-impact activities. That's why we offer custom-fitted mouth guards designed to reduce the risk of injuries to your teeth, tongue, lips, face, and jaw.


    Our Custom Mouth Guard Process

    Our custom mouth guards are created using an impression of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit. This personalized approach not only protects your teeth but also helps position your jaw correctly, potentially enhancing performance and reducing the risk of concussions.


    Here's what you can expect:

    • A quick 20-minute appointment to take an impression of your teeth
    • Your custom mouth guard will be ready in just 1-2 days
    • With proper care, your guard should last about a year

    We recommend contacting us for a replacement if your mouth guard shows signs of wear, doesn't fit comfortably, or if there have been changes to your teeth. For our younger patients, losing or gaining teeth may indicate it's time for a new guard. (Please note that custom guards may not be suitable for those with braces due to ongoing teeth movement.)


    Many medical spending accounts and flex plans can be used for custom mouth guards.


    Show Your Team Spirit with Color

    Express yourself with our wide selection of color options. Whether you want to sport the Hutchinson school colors of black and yellow, or prefer maroon, red, blue or another shade, we’ve got you covered. Let us know your preference, and we’ll do our best to match it!


    Meeting League Requirements

    Many sports leagues, including the Minnesota State High School League, require mouth guards during practice and games. While specific rules may vary by sport, it's worth noting that white mouth guards are often not allowed as they're difficult for coaches and referees to verify from a distance. We're here to help you protect your smile while you pursue your passions. 


    Let's work together to find the perfect custom mouth guard for you!


Youth Dental Education

Proper oral health care starts young, and we value helping kids start out with proper habits and information. Together with parents, we demonstrate and support children in understanding their role in their own dental health.

We recommend regular check-ups and cleanings every six months!

Ensure a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles!

Schedule your preventative dental appointment today.

Schedule an Appointment
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