Family Dental Care
Family smiles are what we are all about! Dr. Rence Cheek has provided dental care for generations of families in middle Georgia for over 35 years. At Hawkinsville Dental Associates, we provide dental care for patients of all ages.
Oral health needs change over a lifetime - we have a wide range of services to assist our patients with prevention of dental problems and restoring areas that have been impacted by tooth decay or periodontal (gum) infection.
Cleanings & Checkups
The American Dental Association® recommends that patients see their dentist two or more times per year for regular dental examinations. At these visits, Dr. Cheek will perform a thorough examination of the teeth, gums and jaw joints to look for any areas that may show early signs of decay, bite trauma (bruxism) or infection. He will examine the soft tissues of the mouth to look for suspicious discolorations, bumps or rough patches that may be a sign of oral cancer.
During these visits, our dental hygienists will perform oral health maintenance to remove stains and deposits from the surfaces of the teeth and review gum measurements and dental x-rays to detect gum infection or bone loss. Dr. Cheek may recommend non-surgical periodontal therapy to remove harmful toxins and bacteria and treat infection underneath the gums, a condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss and is a complicating factor for health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Children's Dentistry
We enjoy teaching children about the dentist and supporting parents with dental health information to protect your child's teeth as they grow up. Creating a positive dental experience for your child will help them develop healthy habits for a lifetime. We generally see children ages 3 and above for routine visits in our office. We also work very closely with local pediatric dental specialists to care for very young children or those with extensive needs.
We suggest teaching young children about keeping their smile healthy by first helping them brush their teeth at home. Children under the age of 6 generally lack the dexterity to do a thorough job, most of our parents have success with letting the child brush first, with the parent brushing behind them.
For infants, your child's pediatrician may recommend using a soft dampened washcloth to gently clean your baby's mouth. Flossing should be done when teeth are too close together to brush in between them.
Fluoride has been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay-causing bacteria. We provide fluoride treatments for children and adults in our practice. Please check with us or your pediatrician before giving young children fluoride (including using fluoridated toothpaste). Too much fluoride could cause permanent teeth to be discolored (a condition known as fluorosis). For great information, visit mouthhealthy.org to learn more about children's dental health.
Dental Sealants
Dr. Cheek may recommend dental sealants for your child's permanent teeth. Sealants are a thin plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth to prevent bacteria from collecting in the deep pits and grooves commonly found in first and second molars. Sealants do not require drilling or shots, so they are a fan favorite among our kids and parents!
If you have questions about dentistry or preventive care for your family, please do not hesitate to Contact Hawkinsville Dental Associates. We will be glad to help you keep your family's smiles looking and feeling their best!
