Preventive Dentistry – Tulsa, OK
Conservative Dental Treatment for Tulsa Residents
At O’Brien Dental Wellness Center, we are here to take a proactive approach to your oral and overall health. Using minimally-invasive dental treatment options, we can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dentistry problems that can have a negative impact on your smile and body. Whether you are visiting for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning or you need a customized nightguard to safeguard your smile from bruxism, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien at your earliest convenience for preventive dentistry in Tulsa, OK.
Why Choose O’Brien Dental Wellness Center for Preventive Dentistry?
- IO Camera Used for Oral Cancer Screenings
- Digital X-Rays for Safer and More Accurate Imaging
- Holistic Approach Focused on Oral and Overall Health
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
The initial dental examination you receive from our team will consist of a 1.5-hour appointment dedicated to diagnostics and consultation. Typically, however, you will meet with us every six months (unless otherwise indicated by Dr. O’Brien) to undergo a thorough examination of your teeth and gums as well as a professional cleaning to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Learn More About Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Oral Cancer Screening
Taking the life of one person each hour in the United States, oral cancer knows no age, and we don’t want you to become a statistic. With oral cancer screenings, your trusted dentist in Tulsa, Dr. O’Brien, can easily examine the inside of your mouth and check for any abnormalities. Our team will complete this process during a regular dental exam and provide a referral if you need to see a local specialist.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Part of what makes oral cancer so insidious is that it doesn't often start with pain. Instead, there are a series of small changes that take place along your oral cavity, including your lips, tongue, mouth, and throat. Common warning signs include:
- Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don't heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
- Unexplained numbness or tenderness in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
- A persistent sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots on oral tissues
If you notice any of these signs between visits, contact our Tulsa office as soon as possible. Even if what we find is benign, it’s always better to know than not.
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. O’Brien is looking for any tissue changes that fall outside the range of normal. This includes unusual colors, such as red or white patches that don't wipe away, as well as irregularities in texture like rough spots, thickening, or hardened areas.
He also evaluates the symmetry of your oral tissues, checking for swelling, lumps, or asymmetry that could indicate something worth investigating further. The screening extends beyond just your teeth and gums—your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat are all included.
At O'Brien Dental Wellness Center, we use an intraoral camera to get a thorough, close-up view of tissues that might be difficult to assess with the naked eye alone. This technology helps us catch subtle changes early, when treatment options are most effective, and outcomes are most favorable.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
Unless you find signs of the condition yourself and come in early, your oral cancer screening will fit right into your normal dental visit, so it’s incredibly convenient. There's no separate appointment to schedule and no special preparation required. Dr. O'Brien will simply perform the screening as part of your routine exam.
During the screening, you'll be asked to open your mouth wide while Dr. O'Brien carefully examines your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat. Using our intraoral camera, he'll get a detailed look at areas that are harder to see. The entire process takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.
If anything raises a concern, Dr. O'Brien will discuss it with you calmly. In most cases, findings are benign, but if a referral to a specialist is needed, we'll help coordinate that next step. Staying current with your preventive dentistry visits at our Tulsa office is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your long-term health.
Athletic Mouthguards / Sportsguards
Playing sports is a great way to exercise and keep your body healthy, but dental damage can occur if proper protection is not in place. Our team can create a customized athletic mouthguard (sportsguard) to serve as a barrier against hard-hitting pressure. Instead of worrying about an accidental knocked-out or broken tooth, you can feel more at ease knowing that your teeth are better protected, keeping you on the field instead of in the emergency dentist’s office.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Bruxism, which is also known as teeth grinding or clenching, commonly stems from increased stress. However, it can manifest for many reasons. No matter the cause of your unhealthy habit, it’s essential that you get the help you need in the form of a customized nightguard. These are worn while you sleep and prevent your upper and lower arches of teeth from touching. Not only will this prevent worn-down tooth enamel, but it will also give your jaw joints a break, helping them to relax instead of remaining tense throughout the night.