West Augusta Dental Associates

Dr. Greg Clepper, Dr. Bobby Turner
& Dr. Carson Glore

Accepting New Patients! Request an Appointment

Call Or Text (706) 738-8070

West Augusta Dental Associates

3553 Wheeler Road
Augusta, GA 30909

Pay Online

West Augusta Dental Associates > Services > Preventive Dentistry

Routine preventive teeth cleanings and checkups help protect your smile, dental health, and well-being.

Preventive Dentist in Augusta

Gifts of toothpaste and toothbrush from preventive dentist in augusta At West Augusta Dental Associates, preventive dental care is the foundation of our practice. That’s because it’s always less stressful and less costly for our patients to be proactive and treat problems early on before they become more significant concerns.

Visiting your Augusta dentist biannually for preventive exams and teeth cleanings is a simple way to protect your smile, dental health, and well-being. These visits also help keep your smile bright and beautiful while protecting the health and function of your current dental restorations. We also screen for oral cancer, as early detection gives you the best prognosis for successful treatment.

6 Oral Health Care Tips for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

In addition to visiting West Augusta Dental Associates biannually for preventive teeth cleanings and exams, you can take several steps at home to improve and protect your dental health and keep your smile bright, healthy, and happy.

Consistent Home Care

Brushing twice daily and flossing once using proper tools and techniques is one of the best ways to protect your smile.

Mouthguard for Sports

If you play sports, a mouthguard protects your teeth and mouth from injuries and dental emergencies.

Eat Fruits and Veggies

A healthy diet supports oral and overall health. Fruits and veggies neutralize the acids that cause tooth decay.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water hydrates your mouth and body, combatting oral problems like dry mouth and washing away remaining food debris.

Avoid Tobacco

Using tobacco products significantly increases your risk of developing problems like gum disease and oral cancer.

Know the Signs

Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing can indicate early gum disease. It’s time to book an appointment with your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does my dental insurance determine their allowed payments?

Dental insurance companies use several factors to determine their "allowed" or "approved" payments for procedures, which often differ from the actual fee charged by West Augusta Dental Associates or other dental practices.

Insurance companies typically create a fee schedule based on what they consider "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) charges for dental procedures in our Augusta, GA, region. These UCR rates are calculated using data collected from various practices, often averaged, and then adjusted downward. The insurance company calculates your benefits using this internal fee schedule, not our actual fees.

Understanding Network Dental Coverage

For in-network providers, these allowed amounts are contractually agreed upon. Since West Augusta Dental Associates is out-of-network with many plans, there's often a difference between our actual fee and what your insurance considers their allowed amount.

Your specific plan details also influence payment calculations. Plans vary in coverage percentages (typically 50-100 percent, depending on the procedure category), annual maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, and exclusions. These factors affect the final amount your insurance will pay.

Our team works diligently to help estimate your insurance coverage before treatment, but these are always estimates since insurance companies don't guarantee payment until claims are processed.

Contact Our Augusta, GA, Dental Office

If you have questions about how your specific plan calculates payments or need help understanding your benefits, please contact us at (706) 738-8070. We're committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits while receiving the quality dental care you deserve.

How often should I get a dental cleaning and exam?

The quick answer is that healthy patients can visit their dentist every six months for exams and dental cleanings in Augusta, GA. However, patients who are managing gum disease may need additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to successfully control their condition.

So the true answer is that your hygiene schedule is highly personalized, and our dentists will tailor it to your unique needs.

Understanding Gum Disease

There is no cure for advanced gum disease (periodontitis), so it's essential to stay on top of your dental health with routine preventive teeth cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our dentists screen for concerns like gum disease and tooth decay, so we can often help you detect problems early on before they become more significant concerns.

Gingivitis, or early gum disease, can often be reversed if we spot it early and you are proactive about making the necessary changes to your home care routine.

Protecting your smile against gum disease also protects your overall health and well-being since it's closely linked with non-dental concerns like:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Dementia
High blood pressure
Stroke

Gum disease is also linked with pregnancy complications, such as low birth weights and pregnancy diabetes.

Contact us at (706) 738-8070 if it's time for your next teeth cleaning and dental exam in Augusta, GA.

Understanding the Oral Systemic Connection

dental hygienist at west augusta dental associates demonstrating how to brush teeth Did you know that your dental health is closely related to overall health and well-being? The bacteria that cause gum disease are the same as those that contribute to chronic systemic problems, such as:

Heart disease
Dementia
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Rheumatoid arthritis
Complications during pregnancy

If you suffer from gum disease, you’re more susceptible to developing other health conditions and vice versa. When we can detect gum disease early, you have a better chance of treating and reversing the condition, protecting your overall well-being.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Gregory Clepper

Dr. Greg Clepper is a native of Augusta with deep roots in the local community. After graduating from Lakeside High ...

Read More
Dr. Robert Turner

Dr. Bobby Turner is a native of Americus, Georgia, who graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University and the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. He began his distinguished career ...

Read More
Dr. Carson Glore

Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Carson Glore earned her Bachelor's in Biology from Columbus State University before completing ...

Read More

Preventive Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays

West Augusta Dental Associates uses advanced digital x-ray technology to provide safer, more efficient dental care. These state-of-the-art images allow our Augusta team to detect potential issues earlier while exposing you to up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.

Digital x-rays produce instant, high-resolution images that we can easily share with you chairside, helping you better understand your oral health. Our environmentally conscious practice also appreciates that digital imaging eliminates the need for harmful chemical processing.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Contact Your Team at West Augusta Dental Associates

Whether it’s been six months or six years since you last visited the dentist, you will find a welcoming and judgment-free approach at our dental office in Augusta, GA. We’re only interested in helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and we’ll meet you wherever you’re currently at with it.

You can request an appointment at West Augusta Dental Associates online or call us at (706) 738-8070 and speak with a team member to schedule your appointment.

Testimonial

We look forward to coming back for future cleanings!

My husband and I enjoyed our first visit at West Augusta Dental. The staff were all very kind and helpful and the office itself was very clean and had a calming presence. Courtney was our hygienist and she was very personable and made sure we were comfortable throughout our entire visit. We look forward to coming back for future cleanings!
-Jessica

See More Testimonials

Is It Time to Book Your Next Teeth Cleaning?