PROTECTIVE DENTAL CARE
Prevention & Cleanings
Our Preventive Services
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Remove plaque and tartar to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Dental Checkups & Exams
Comprehensive exams with digital imaging to catch problems early.
Fluoride Treatments
Strengthen enamel and protect against decay with professional fluoride.
Dental Sealants
Protective coatings that shield teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Life-saving screenings included with every comprehensive exam.
Cavity Prevention
Proactive strategies and treatments to keep your teeth decay-free.
Proactive Care for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Prevention is the foundation of everything we do at Glendale Dental Wellness. Rather than waiting for problems to develop, Dr. Ivan Chan and our team focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular professional care, early detection, and patient education.
Our comprehensive preventive program combines professional cleanings, thorough examinations, advanced diagnostics, and personalized guidance — all designed to help you avoid costly and uncomfortable dental problems down the road.
Our Prevention Philosophy
We believe that the best dental treatment is the one you never need. That philosophy guides every aspect of our preventive approach:
- Early detection saves time and money — catching a small cavity before it becomes a root canal means simpler treatment, less discomfort, and lower cost
- Professional care complements home care — even the most diligent brushers and flossers benefit from professional cleanings that reach areas you simply cannot
- Education empowers patients — we take time to teach you personalized techniques and habits that make the biggest difference for your unique oral health needs
- Technology improves outcomes — digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and advanced screening tools help us find problems earlier and more accurately than ever before
Whether you are visiting for a routine cleaning or a comprehensive exam, every appointment is an opportunity to protect your smile and your overall health.
What Preventive Care Includes at Glendale Dental Wellness
Preventive dentistry is more than a six-month cleaning. Our prevention program covers the full range of services that keep cavities, gum disease, and bigger problems from taking root:
- Professional cleanings — scaling, polishing, and flossing every six months for most healthy adults; more frequent for patients with active gum disease maintenance needs
- Comprehensive checkups and exams — full review of every tooth, bite, restoration, and soft tissue
- Low-radiation digital X-rays — up to 80% less radiation than traditional film, with instant on-screen review
- Oral cancer screenings — quick, painless, and built into every comprehensive exam; early detection dramatically improves outcomes
- Personalized cavity prevention coaching — risk assessment plus home-care recommendations tailored to your bite, diet, and history
- Protective dental sealants — thin coatings that shield the deep grooves of molars from decay; especially valuable for kids but available for adults too
- Topical fluoride treatments — for patients with high cavity risk or visible enamel weakness
- Custom mouthguards and nightguards — sport guards for athletes and bite splints for patients who clench or grind
How Often Should You Be Seen?
The American Dental Association recommends that most adults see a dentist every six months. Your specific schedule depends on factors like:
- Cavity history — patients with frequent cavities benefit from cleanings every 3-4 months
- Gum disease history — patients in active scaling and root planing maintenance often visit every 3 months
- Existing dental work — crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers benefit from more frequent monitoring
- Lifestyle factors — smokers, patients with diabetes, and those on certain medications may need more frequent visits
- Recent treatment — for the first 6-12 months after major restorative work, we typically see patients more often to confirm everything is settling well
At your first visit Dr. Chan will recommend the schedule that fits your situation. Many of our patients book their next two visits at the front desk before they leave, so the rhythm of preventive care simply becomes part of their year.
The $199 New Patient Special
New to our practice? Your first visit can be booked as our $199 new patient special, which covers a comprehensive exam with Dr. Chan, full digital X-rays, an iTero 3D scan, and a professional cleaning — all in one visit. It gives us a complete baseline and gives you a clear written picture of your oral health with no pressure to schedule any further treatment. See current offers or call 818-243-3838 to book.
Paying for Preventive Care
Preventive dentistry is the category insurance handles best. Most PPO plans cover cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays at 80-100% with no waiting period, and we work with every PPO plan to maximize what your benefits will pay. If insurance isn't part of your situation, take a look at the in-house membership plan — it's structured around exactly this kind of preventive care at a flat annual fee, with discounts that extend to anything beyond routine maintenance.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy Every Day
Brush for two full minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using gentle circular motions. Floss once daily to clean between teeth where your brush cannot reach. Finish with an antimicrobial mouthwash for added protection against bacteria.
Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles fray. Consider an electric toothbrush for more consistent plaque removal. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Chan about a custom nightguard to protect your enamel.
Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, and nuts as tooth-friendly alternatives. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and keep saliva flowing.
Bleeding gums when you brush, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or sores that do not heal are all signals to schedule a visit. Do not wait for pain — most dental problems are painless in their early stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is preventive dental care important?
Preventive care is the most cost-effective approach to oral health. Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and screenings help detect problems early when they're easier and less expensive to treat. Prevention also protects against serious conditions like gum disease and oral cancer.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most patients benefit from professional cleanings every six months. However, patients with gum disease or higher risk factors may need cleanings every three to four months. Dr. Chan will recommend the ideal schedule based on your individual oral health status.
What are dental sealants and who should get them?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They create a barrier against decay-causing bacteria and acids. Sealants are especially beneficial for children and teens, but adults with cavity-prone teeth can benefit as well.
How does fluoride treatment help my teeth?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps resist acid attacks that lead to cavities. Professional fluoride treatments provide a much higher concentration than toothpaste or mouthwash, offering superior protection against decay for both children and adults.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
Dr. Chan performs a visual and tactile examination of your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck to check for unusual lumps, sores, or discolorations. Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and included as part of your routine checkup. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
What can I do between visits to prevent cavities and gum disease?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, use an antimicrobial mouthwash, and eat a balanced diet low in sugar. Avoid tobacco products and limit snacking between meals. These daily habits work together with professional care to keep your mouth healthy.
