An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Year of Treatment
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Year of Treatment
Almost 28% of California kindergarteners have untreated tooth decay. And 45% of middle-aged
Californians have lost at least one permanent tooth due to dental decay or disease. These are
sobering numbers — but they are also largely preventable.
At Scola Family Dentistry in Murrieta, CA, preventive care is not just a routine — it is a
partnership. Dr. Valerie Scola and her hygiene team work alongside you and your family to
protect your smile before small problems have a chance to become serious ones.
What Happens at a Preventive Visit
A standard preventive appointment includes two key components: a professional cleaning and
a comprehensive exam.
During the cleaning, one of our skilled hygienists removes sticky plaque and hardened tartar
that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Plaque that is not removed builds up, hardens,
and eventually erodes tooth enamel and inflames gum tissue. Once tartar forms, only
professional tools can remove it.
During the exam, Dr. Scola evaluates your teeth and gums for early signs of decay, gum disease,
and other concerns. She also conducts an oral cancer screening — a vital step, since early-stage
oral cancers have more than an 85% five-year survival rate, compared to significantly lower
rates when caught later.
Technology That Sees What Eyes Cannot
At Scola Family Dentistry, we invest in advanced imaging technology because early detection
saves teeth — and sometimes lives. Our diagnostic tools include digital X-rays (which require
less radiation than traditional film), panoramic X-rays for a sweeping view of your entire oral
cavity, intraoral cameras that let you see exactly what Dr. Scola sees, and CBCT 3D imaging for
the clearest possible view of bone, sinuses, and structures not visible to the naked eye.
Gum disease, impacted teeth, and many other serious conditions show no pain or symptoms in
their early stages. Advanced imaging helps us find problems when they are easiest — and least
expensive — to treat.
Professional Support Products That Make a Real Difference
Dr. Scola may recommend fluoride therapy to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavity risk.
She may also recommend dental sealants — thin, protective coatings applied to the grooved
surfaces of back teeth — to keep food and bacteria from settling into areas that are hard to
clean. Sealants are especially effective for children, but can benefit adults as well.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is another tool in our preventive arsenal: a painless, fast-acting
solution that kills cavity-causing bacteria and helps remineralize early-stage decay.
Prevention Is the Best Investment in Your Smile
Routine care at the dentist is like maintenance on your car: consistent attention keeps things
running well and prevents costly breakdowns. At Scola Family Dentistry, we are proud to serve
patients throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Canyon
Lake, and the surrounding communities.
Do not wait for a toothache to tell you something is wrong. Book your preventive appointment
today and keep your smile healthy for the long haul.
Book a Consultation
It’s easy and free!
