Preventive Dentistry in Woodland Hills
A cavity caught while it is still small can often be treated with a simple filling. The same cavity left alone for another year may reach the nerve and call for a root canal and a crown. That difference is the whole point of preventive dentistry. At 805 Dentistry, we help Woodland Hills patients of all ages find problems early, when they are easier to manage, and keep healthy teeth healthy. Our office is in Thousand Oaks, and we see families from Woodland Hills who want one practice that can care for everyone in the household.
Preventive dentistry is the routine care that keeps teeth and gums healthy and catches trouble before it causes pain. The foundation is a professional dental cleaning and a thorough dental exam. During the cleaning, we remove the plaque and hardened buildup that brushing and flossing at home can't fully reach. During the exam, we look closely at each tooth, your gums, your bite, and the soft tissues of your mouth.
Beyond cleanings and exams, our preventive care includes cavity detection, dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and oral cancer screening. We also make night mouth guards for patients who grind their teeth and sports mouth guards for active kids and adults. For imaging, our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist, and we offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT when a closer look is needed.
Preventive care is for everyone with natural teeth, dental implants, or restorations they want to protect. We see children and adults, and our pediatric care focuses on kids ages 4 to 14. Parents are welcome in the treatment room. For children, sealants and fluoride are common parts of a visit because they help protect young teeth while habits are still forming.
Adults have different needs. Some come to us with healthy mouths and simply want to keep them that way. Others have a history of gum disease and need periodontal maintenance, which is more targeted cleaning that helps keep gum disease under control after treatment. Patients with dental implants benefit from implant maintenance, which our board-certified periodontist provides. If you are in Woodland Hills and have put off dental visits because of anxiety, let us know. We offer nitrous oxide and other sedation options through our board-certified dental anesthesiologist.
What happens at a preventive dental visit?
A preventive visit is a cleaning, an exam, and a conversation about what we find. We start by reviewing your health history and any concerns you have, such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, or jaw discomfort. From there, the visit follows a clear order.
Here is what you can typically expect:
- A review of your medical and dental history
- Imaging when needed to see between teeth and below the gumline
- A professional cleaning to remove plaque and buildup
- An exam of your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues, including an oral cancer screening
- Cavity detection and a check of existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations
- Sealants or fluoride treatment when they make sense, especially for children
- A plain-language summary of findings and any recommended next steps
If we find something that needs attention, we explain it and walk you through your options. Because we offer general, restorative, periodontal, endodontic, and orthodontic care, many follow-up needs can be handled within our practice rather than through a referral elsewhere.
How do I protect my teeth between visits?
Daily brushing and flossing at home do most of the work between appointments. At your visit, we point out areas where buildup tends to collect in your mouth so you know where to focus. If you have gum concerns, we may recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule instead of standard cleanings.
Protective appliances also play a role. If you grind or clench at night, a night guard helps shield your teeth from wear. Patients involved in sports can benefit from a custom sports guard. We have an on-site dental lab, which supports our work on appliances and restorations. If jaw clicking, headaches, or facial pain come up between visits, tell us. TMJ therapy and sleep apnea treatment are a strong focus of our practice.
How can I pay for preventive dental care?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Many PPO plans include coverage for preventive services such as cleanings and exams, but benefits vary by plan. Our team can help you understand how your coverage applies before your visit.
For care that goes beyond your coverage, financing is available. We are glad to discuss costs openly so you can plan ahead. If you live in Woodland Hills and are looking for a single practice for your whole family's dental care, from a child's first sealants to an adult's periodontal maintenance, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a preventive visit with Dr. Dar Radfar and our team.