Routine Exams & Cleanings
Every six months, we thoroughly clean away all traces of harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gum line to prevent issues such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, chronic bad breath, and other conditions caused by excessive oral bacteria. Our Urbandale dentist will also perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and oral cavity to detect any signs of trouble.
In addition to common issues like tooth decay and gum disease, Dr. Lawson also checks for tooth damage that may cause future problems. She routinely performs oral cancer screenings, airway screenings, and acid erosion screening and counseling. In some cases, she may recommend oral DNA testing for more precise diagnostic results. If a problem is found, then Dr. Lawson will work closely with you to custom-design an appropriate treatment plan.
Embracing Innovation in Preventative Care
Lawson Dentistry continually innovates to ensure oral health remains at the forefront of dental science. We’ve integrated salivary diagnostics to monitor oral health indicators effectively, providing a non-invasive window into your overall well-being. Furthermore, our adoption of Perio Protect enhances gum disease treatment, delivering medication deep below the gum line with a specialized tray system. This proactive approach fights infections and contributes to fresher breath and a brighter smile, reaffirming our commitment to preventative care that goes beyond the basics.
We’re at the vanguard of employing advanced techniques to identify disease pathogens contributing to oral health issues. By understanding the specific bacteria and other pathogens in the mouth, we can effectively tailor treatments to combat periodontal diseases. This targeted approach forms part of our comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the most effective preventive treatments and care for their unique needs.
Integrated Care & Wholistic Dentistry
Dr. Lawson’s mission is to help patients understand the connection between oral health, physical health, and emotional well-being. Integrated care means she does not just focus on conditions of the mouth, teeth, and gums. She works with your medical doctors to gather as much information about you as possible to get a complete picture of your health and any medical issues that may impact your dental care. From checking blood glucose levels to working on smoking cessation, Dr. Lawson has devoted her entire career to treating her patients’ whole health, not just their oral health.
That’s what wholistic dentistry is—a whole health approach to ensure your entire being is treated and made healthy. Dr. Lawson does not just fix a dental issue and send you on your way; she works tirelessly to ensure all of your medical issues are addressed. Only treating symptoms without getting to the root of the problem is not comprehensive, integrative, wholistic care. Dr. Lawson and her dental team are not a “quick fix” type of practice.
DNA Testing for Oral Cancer & Periodontal Disease
Dr. Lawson performs extensive testing to detect oral cancer and periodontal disease in their earliest stages. Using simple but highly effective tools, including:
- OraRisk® HPV
- MyPerioID®
- MyPerioPath®
- OraRisk® HPV
- MyPerioID®
- MyPerioPath®
These tests produce the results that Dr. Lawson needs to know if you’re showing signs of various oral cancers and diseases so treatment can begin right away.
Custom Made Athletic Mouthguards
You may not think of mouthguards of preventative dentistry, but these oral appliances are an excellent means to protect yourself from oral injuries if you play sports. If you want a custom-made athletic mouthguard, Dr. Lawson can design one according to the unique contour and measurements of your teeth. The custom appliance will sit more comfortably and securely, offering better protection for particularly active athletes.
If you grind and clench your teeth (medically referred to as “bruxism”), a custom-made mouthguard will prevent you from doing this. Bruxism can do serious damage to your teeth and can result in a misaligned bite and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ).
Contact Our Preventative Dentist in Urbandale Today
Please call Lawson Dentistry today at (515) 278-4366 if you’re overdue for your six-month checkup. You may also fill out our online contact form and schedule online.