Preventive Dentistry Hartwell

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

We strongly recommend that young children, senior citizens, and everyone in-between attend at least two dental examinations and cleanings each year – that means paying our Hartwell dental team a visit every six months! During your checkup, our goal will be to fully understand the scope of your oral health needs with the help of a thorough visual review and X-rays. Our dentists will examine each tooth, your gum tissue, your bite, any current restorations, and more before recommending potential services that are a good fit for your condition and personal goals.

Additionally, a routine cleaning with one of our talented hygienists will thoroughly remove decay-causing plaque and tartar, as well as minor dental stains. You’ll be able to leave our office with a smile that feels nicely polished! 

Oral Cancer Screenings

You’re surely familiar with cavities and gum disease when it comes to common dental problems – but what about oral cancer? Oral cancer causes the death of one person every hour on average, and this happens because most cases aren’t properly diagnosed until they’ve already reached advanced, destructive stages. Thankfully, oral cancer screenings are an essential part of regular checkups for patients from Elberton, Georgia and beyond. Our team will review your oral tissue for tell-tale symptoms, such as:

• Red or white patches of skin within the mouth.
• Oral sores that are slow to heal or tend to bleed easily.
• Oral lumps, crusts, or thickened areas.

If we locate something suspicious, a biopsy can be arranged to identify whether cancerous cells are present or not. The earlier your condition is identified, the better chances of a successful recovery!

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is often known as “nature’s cavity-fighter,” and it’s not hard to understand why. Studies have shown that when this natural mineral is added to water supplies, the people drinking it tend to have stronger, less decay-prone teeth on average. Our dentists typically recommend fluoride applications for patients who don’t seem to be receiving enough of it in their daily diet or those who have a history of cavities.

Dental Sealants

The deep chewing grooves on your premolars and molars can be magnets for food particles and decay-causing bacteria. What’s worse is that these areas can be difficult for younger patients to reach, leading to a rise in cavities. Thankfully, our team can help keep teeth safe and healthy with dental sealants. This plastic material is bonded to the tooth surfaces during a quick and comfortable procedure, effectively creating a barrier that keeps out trouble and leaves your smile healthier.

Nightguards for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is a common oral health problem, and while it’s most likely to affect professional adults experiencing stress, patients of all ages can grind their teeth. You may not even be aware that you’re one of them – bruxism is most likely to happen during sleep, after all. Left untreated, this condition can cause significant dental damage, constant headaches, and even the development of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.

At Lake Hartwell Dentistry, our dentists will review your smile carefully for signs of either bruxism or TMJ disorder during routine appointments, and if needed, we can provide a custom oral appliance as effective treatment. By wearing this device as directed, patients can reduce aggravating contact between teeth and relieve unpleasant discomfort.

Children’s Dentistry

Being able to help the youngest members of your family on the right path towards lifelong oral health means the world to our team! Lake Hartwell Dentistry welcomes children, and our team will always treat them with the patience and warmth they need to feel right at home. Gentle checkups will reveal any potential developmental concerns as soon as they appear, and cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and other services will provide their growing smiles with valuable support and protection. 

Learn More About Children’s Dentistry

Treatment for TMJ Pain & Headaches

Does your jaw feel sore all of the time, do you notice that you grind or clench your teeth, or do you have tension headaches? If so, your jaw joints (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) may be overactive or strained. TMJ issues can also be a cause of chronic headaches. After receiving a proper diagnosis, Dr. Callaway can determine what treatment plan is best to conservatively treat your jaw joints and the muscles surrounding them to provide you with much-needed relief.

Learn More About TMJ Treatment

Treatment for Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Are any of the following symptoms familiar to you?

• Loud, chronic snoring.
• Excessive feelings of fatigue and exhaustion in the morning, even if you went to bed early the night before.
• Constant headaches and instances of sore throat, especially early in the day.
• Difficulty with concentrating and/or remembering information.
• Taking frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night.

If so, you may be struggling with obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous health condition that involves constant pauses in breathing throughout the night because of a blocked airway, resulting in fractured sleep. Many patients aren’t aware that a dentist can help provide lasting relief from sleep apnea – but it’s true!

If you’ve been diagnosed by your physician or a sleep specialist, reach out to our team here at Lake Hartwell Dentistry. We offer customized, comfortable oral appliances that can help keep your airway unobstructed as you sleep for a sounder night of rest.