Preventive Dentistry
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy takes much more than just brushing and flossing at home. Preventive dental care is the foundation of a healthy smile, and it relies on routine checkups, professional cleanings, and thorough screenings that catch potential problems early, before they turn into something far more serious. When preventive care is a consistent part of your life, you give your smile the best possible chance at staying strong for years to come.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we are proud to offer comprehensive preventive dental services designed to keep all types of patients in excellent oral health. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience to every patient visit and has received the Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year since 2016. Our prevention services are built from a thorough, attentive approach that puts your health and comfort first to help you reveal an amazing smile.Â
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Periodic dental exams are one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health. During each visit, Dr. Coambs carefully evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, and the supporting bone structure for any early indicators of decay, infection, or other changes that deserve attention. Catching problems at their earliest stage means treatment is typically far less involved and far less costly than addressing something that has had time to progress.
Most patients benefit from two exams per year, though Dr. Coambs could recommend more frequent visits based on your individual situation. Patients with a history of periodontal disease, a higher risk of cavities, or other oral health factors need to come in more often to stay ahead of changes. Our approach is tailored exclusively to you, because no two patients have exactly the same dental needs.
What Does a Comprehensive Exam Include?
A thorough exam includes a visual evaluation of every surface of your teeth and gums, an assessment of your jaw function and bite, and a review of digital X-ray images to assess what’s happening below the gumline. Dr. Coambs takes the time to walk you through her findings and answer any questions you have, so you always leave with a clear picture of where your oral health stands and what, if anything, needs greater attention.
Dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina
Even the most diligent home care routine has its limits. Plaque and tartar tend to build up in hard-to-reach spots that a toothbrush and floss simply cannot get to on their own. When that buildup is left in place, it creates conditions where decay and gum disease can flourish. A professional teeth cleaning removes that buildup completely, serving to protect your enamel and keep your gum tissue healthy.
For most patients, cleanings are recommended twice a year alongside their periodic exam. Those who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, or who tend to accumulate heavier buildup, could benefit from more frequent visits. We work with each patient to find a routine that fits their needs and keeps their smile in the best possible condition between appointments.
Are Fluoride Treatments and Sealants Worth Adding?
Absolutely! In addition to exams and cleanings, we offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants as additional layers of protection for your smile. Fluoride treatments work to strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay, while sealants provide a protective coating over the deep grooves of the back teeth where cavities are most likely to form. Both are comfortable, non-invasive options that can make a huge difference in your long-term oral health.
Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentist nine years running — Dr. Coambs brings expertise, artistry, and genuine care to every smile they treat.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Oral cancer is among the most serious conditions that a routine dental visit can help detect, and the timing of that detection matters enormously. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer are projected in the United States for 2026 alone. An oral cancer screening is a non-invasive physical and visual evaluation of the soft tissues in and around your mouth. Dr. Coambs checks for any unusual changes that warrant further investigation and performs this screening as a standard part of every comprehensive visit.
Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and certain viral infections, but this disease can also affect patients with none of those risk factors. That is exactly why these routine screenings are so valuable. When potentially abnormal tissue is identified early, the path to a successful outcome is significantly more favorable than when something is caught at a later stage.
Schedule Your Preventive Care Visit at Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has spent her career helping patients throughout North Carolina maintain healthy, beautiful smiles through attentive, thorough care. Her Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) designation, a credential held by fewer than 6% of general dentists in North Carolina, reflects a genuine commitment to clinical excellence and continued education. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning, overdue for a comprehensive exam, or simply ready to make your oral health a priority, our Charlotte team is here for you.
We offer flexible financial options to make preventive care accessible, including Cherry, CareCredit, and our in-house Membership Plan. There is no reason to put off the care your smile deserves. Request an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile. Love.Your.Smile.
