Preventive Dentistry

In Lakeville

Dr. Harrison isn’t here to scold you for missing a cleaning—he’s here to make preventive care approachable, clear, and even a little fun. With twice-yearly visits, he can catch small issues before they turn into major headaches. He’ll walk you through everything he sees with plain-language explanations and real-time photos, so you always leave feeling informed—not overwhelmed.

Professional cleanings are an essential part of maintaining a healthy, confident smile. At Downtown Dental, Dr. Harrison takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to hygiene appointments—focusing not only on removing plaque and buildup, but also on educating and empowering patients. He offers tailored guidance to help you improve your home care routine, ensuring you feel confident in your daily habits and supported in your long-term oral health.

Digital X-rays help Dr. Harrison see the full picture—and he’ll make sure you do, too. With high-res images and a collaborative approach, he uses X-rays as a teaching tool to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface. The best part? They’re quick, comfortable, and use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film.

To strengthen enamel and prevent early decay, fluoride is a proven, effective solution for patients of all ages. After your cleaning, Dr. Harrison may recommend a fluoride varnish based on your risk level and health history. This non-invasive treatment helps remineralize enamel and provides added protection between visits—especially for patients prone to cavities or sensitivity.

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Molars naturally have deep grooves that are difficult to clean thoroughly, even with excellent brushing habits. Dr. Harrison often recommends sealants as a preventive measure for both kids and adults with high cavity risk. Applied in just minutes, sealants create a protective barrier over the chewing surfaces to help prevent decay where it starts most often. It’s a conservative, effective approach—backed by science and Dr. Harrison’s philosophy of doing what’s best for long-term wellness.

Healthy gums are essential to a healthy body. Dr. Harrison takes a whole-health approach to periodontal care, using gentle yet thorough evaluations to catch signs of gingivitis or early-stage periodontal disease. If deeper cleaning or further care is needed, he’ll talk through the plan with full transparency—ensuring you understand what’s being treated, why, and how it fits into your overall health goals. His standard of care is simple: nothing less than what he’d want for someone he cares about.

Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of every preventive exam. Dr. Harrison performs a systematic evaluation of your soft tissues—checking for early signs of abnormal changes such as lesions, discoloration, or irregular texture. It’s a brief but critical step that could make a lifesaving difference. If anything appears unusual, he will clearly explain next steps and guide you through the process with compassion and clinical expertise.

For patients dealing with nighttime clenching or grinding (bruxism), Dr. Harrison designs custom night guards to protect the teeth and reduce strain on the jaw. These guards are crafted to your bite and level of wear, ensuring both comfort and function. If he recommends one, it’s because he truly believes it will prevent long-term damage—and he’ll take the time to help you understand exactly how it will support your smile.

Dental trauma from sports is common—and often preventable. That’s why Dr. Harrison offers custom sports guards tailored to your exact mouth shape. Whether for a child, teen, or adult, these appliances are far more protective and comfortable than over-the-counter options. Dr. Harrison will help determine the right fit and material based on your sport, level of risk, and individual needs—because prevention is always preferable to emergency treatment.