A Comprehensive Guide to What the Dentist Near You Offers!

Searching for a “dentist near me” can be time-consuming, but it is also necessary. When looking for a dentist, you want to ensure the dentist you choose has the education to care for your teeth and gums. You also want to ensure the dental office provides the procedures and forms of dentistry you may require or are curious about. At Prevention Dental in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, we offer services to all our patients looking for emergency, cosmetic, restorative, family, and preventative dental care. 

Why Choose Us?

At Prevention Dental, Dr. Glen Stephenson enjoys helping each of his patients and loves to get to know those he helps. He gets to know each of his patients, focusing on ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone he helps at his office. You can experience a relaxing waiting area with an experienced and knowledgeable team when you come into our office. We also provide advanced technology, allowing Dr. Stephenson to give a more accurate, comfortable, and less invasive process during your appointment. Indeed, you can rest easy at our office knowing you are in the hands of high-quality, comforting, and personalized dental care. 

Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry is a proactive approach to oral health that focuses on preventing dental issues before they occur or addressing them in their early stages. This comprehensive approach involves a combination of regular dental check-ups, patient education, and personalized oral care practices. Key elements of preventative dentistry include:

  • Routine Exams: These are regular check-ups that a patient should have at least twice a year. Dr. Stephenson will comprehensively examine the patient’s mouth, checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Early detection through these exams can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
  • Dental Cleanings: Dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health. They involve a professional cleaning of your teeth by a dental hygienist. The procedure includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar build-up and polishing to remove stains and smooth the tooth surface.
  • Athletic Mouthguards: These are custom-made devices worn over the teeth during physical activities to protect them from damage or injury. Mouthguards are essential for contact sports such as boxing, football, and hockey, with a high risk of oral injuries. They are designed to fit comfortably and provide maximum protection.

By identifying potential problems early and implementing preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, preventative dentistry aims to maintain optimal oral health, prevent the development of cavities and gum disease, and ultimately reduce the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments in the future. It empowers individuals to take control of their oral health, fostering a lifelong commitment to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

General and Family Dentistry

General and family dentistry encompasses a broad range of dental services designed to address individuals’ oral health needs across all age groups. Dr. Glen Stephenson focuses on preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to maintain the overall health of the teeth and gums. Services we offer under general and family dentistry include:

  • Dental Sealants: These are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surface of molars and premolars to prevent tooth decay. They are especially pivotal in pediatric dental care, offering extra protection to children’s teeth.
  • Pediatric Care: This involves comprehensive dental care for children from infancy to adolescence. The services include routine check-ups, cleaning, fluoride treatments, cavity fillings, and education about oral hygiene practices.
  • Root Canal Therapy: This procedure treats teeth where the dental pulp has been infected or damaged. It involves removing the pulp, cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it.
  • Gum Disease Treatment: This encompasses various treatments to halt disease progression, cure the infection, and restore gum health. It may include scaling and root planing, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical procedures.

Dr. Stephenson caters to patients of all ages, making them well-suited for comprehensive care for the entire family. From pediatric dentistry to adult and geriatric dental services, general and family dentistry plays a pivotal role in promoting good oral health, preventing dental issues, and addressing various dental concerns to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles for individuals and families alike.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is a specialized branch that focuses on restoring the function and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth. This field aims to repair and rehabilitate the natural structures of the teeth and supporting tissues. Standard restorative procedures include:

  • Dental Bridges – Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two existing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between.
  • Dental Crowns – A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. They are used when a tooth is broken, worn down, or severely damaged by tooth decay.
  • Dental Implants – Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When we place the dental implants in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone.
  • Dentures – Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be complete (when all teeth are missing) or partial (when some natural teeth remain).
  • Dental Fillings – Dental fillings repair worn, decayed, or damaged teeth. The dentist clears out the affected area, cleans the tooth, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material.

Whether addressing cavities, fractures, or tooth loss, restorative dentistry aims to return the affected teeth to optimal form and function. The goal is to enhance the smile’s appearance and ensure proper oral health, bite alignment, and overall well-being. Restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in preserving natural teeth whenever possible and providing effective solutions for individuals seeking to regain full oral functionality and a confident smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and smile. Unlike general or restorative dentistry, which primarily addresses oral health issues, cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the teeth. Standard cosmetic dental procedures include:

  • Professional Teeth Whitening: This is a cosmetic dental procedure where a bleaching agent removes stains and discoloration from teeth, providing a brighter, whiter smile.
  • Dental Veneers: These are thin shells made from porcelain or composite material that are custom-made and cemented on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can rectify dental issues, including discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth.

These procedures address concerns like stained or discolored teeth, misalignment, gaps, and other cosmetic imperfections. Cosmetic dentistry enhances the visual appeal of a smile and improves self-confidence and overall well-being by creating a more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious dental appearance.

Emergency Dentistry

Emergency dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that addresses urgent oral health issues and provides immediate treatment for dental emergencies. Dental emergencies can include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Broken tooth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Oral infections
  • Injuries to the mouth or jaw

Dr. Stephenson responds swiftly to these situations, offering prompt relief from pain, stabilizing dental injuries, and preventing further complications. Emergency dentistry is crucial in preserving oral health, minimizing discomfort, and addressing urgent dental needs that require immediate attention. Access to emergency dental services ensures that individuals facing sudden and intense dental issues receive timely and effective care to alleviate pain and prevent the escalation of problems.

Dentist Near Me in Boise and Meridian, ID

Experience the care and comfort you deserve during your oral care treatments at our office in the Boise and Meridian, Idaho areas. We offer several procedures to help your smile in various ways, and if you have been looking for the best dentist near you, Prevention Dental is the place to go. 

Please schedule an appointment with our excellent team today! We can’t wait to meet you.