Southeast Family Dental
Dr. Laura Geiger
Preventive Dentistry
The Foundation for Healthy Smiles

Dental exams and cleanings help your family avoid cavities and gum disease.

Preventive Dentistry | Dentist

Preventive Dentistry in Indianapolis

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it starts with preventive dental care. At Southeast Family Dental, we believe prevention is better than cure. It is always easier and more affordable to detect and address dental problems early than waiting until they require more complex or costly treatment to resolve.

No Judgement, Just SupportThree members of the Southeast Family Dental team

Whether it's been six months or six years since your last visit, you will receive no judgment from anyone on our team. Our priority is to make you feel welcomed and comfortable as we work with you to maintain or restore your dental health.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Excellent at-home oral hygiene habits are crucial but most effective when paired with routine dental checkups. Regular exams allow us to identify potential issues like cavities and gum disease early on, while routine teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease.

Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups

Dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months are the key to maintaining your family's oral health. Investing in two simple visits a year offers several important benefits.
Maintain Oral Health
Regular preventive care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums while detecting early signs of dental issues. This approach gives you peace of mind, knowing your family’s smiles are healthy and disease-free.
Save Time and Money
Preventing dental problems is always more cost-effective than treating them. Regular checkups help avoid complex procedures, emergency visits, and time away from work or school for dental treatment.
Protect Overall Health
Research continues to show strong connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental care is vital for maintaining overall health and wellness.

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Thorough Dental Exams

A smiling woman with bright white teethDuring your six-month checkups, our dentists carefully evaluate your oral health with a thorough examination. Intraoral cameras show us the smallest details we can't see with a visual exam alone. This technology allows us to share our findings to inform you about your oral health and the need for treatment if necessary.

At every adult exam, we look for signs of cavities and infection, check the condition of dental work, and perform an oral cancer screening. If we notice wear from teeth grinding, we may recommend a custom nightguard and a mouthguard if you play sports. 

For children, we monitor their oral development, determine whether fluoride or dental sealants would be beneficial, and educate them on proper oral hygiene habits.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Our skilled hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings where they perform the following steps:

  • Remove plaque and tartar buildup
  • Evaluate gum health and measure periodontal pockets 
  • Polish teeth to remove surface stains
  • Provide personalized oral hygiene instructions
  • Recommend oral care products
  • Dr. Laura Geiger

    Dr. Geiger is a third-generation dentist, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. She joined Southeast Family Dental in 2011 after she graduated from Indiana University School of ...

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  • Dr. Katie Jones

    Dr. Jones graduated from Center Grove High School and received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University. She then attended Indiana University School of Dentistry, where she received her degree in ...

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  • Dr. Laura Miller-Mouchaham

    Dr. Miller Mouchaham is grateful to be back home in Indianapolis and seeing patients at Southeast Family Dental. A Franklin Township native, she graduated from Indiana University Bloomington and attended ...

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Frequently Asked Questions

A man getting a dental exam in IndianapolisEven if you practice conscientious at-home oral hygiene, professional exams, and teeth cleanings are crucial for several reasons.

Enhances Home Hygiene

While brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral health, professional dental checkups provide care that even the best home routine can't duplicate.

Our experienced team uses advanced imaging technology and specialized tools to detect issues in their earliest stages—often before you notice any symptoms or discomfort.

Offers Comprehensive Care

During your checkups at Southeast Family Dental, we provide thorough examinations that go beyond cleaning teeth. We screen for oral cancer, evaluate your gum health, check your TMJ health, and remove hardened tartar that can't be eliminated through brushing alone. Our digital x-rays help us identify potential problems beneath the surface, such as decay between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth.

Protects Overall Health

Regular dental checkups also serve as an important window into your overall health. Many systemic conditions show early signs in the mouth, and our dentists can often identify these indicators during routine examinations.

Contact Southeast Family Dental at (317) 359-8000 to schedule your checkup. Our dentists in Indianapolis serve all surrounding areas, including Beech Grove, Franklin Township, Warren Township, and beyond.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease (gingivitis) affects millions of Americans, often without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Without treatment, gingivitis can escalate to the advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis, leading to tooth loss. When you attend routine teeth cleanings, our hygienist can spot gum disease in its early stage when it’s reversible with proper care.

Are You Due for a Dental Checkup?

Cal Southeast Family Dental at (317) 359-8000 to schedule your preventive care appointment with our experienced dentist in Indianapolis, IN.

We welcome patients from Southeast Indianapolis and all surrounding communities, including Beech Grove, Franklin Township, and Warren Township.

Preventive Dentistry Technology

A dentist using an intraoral camera on a patient during an exam

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras are small, high-definition instruments that allow us to capture detailed images of your teeth and gums. These real-time visuals help our team identify cracks, decay, and gum disease with precision while giving you a clear understanding of your dental health. By viewing these images together, you can make more informed decisions about your care. The images are securely stored, ensuring continuity and accuracy in your treatment planning.

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