Preventive Dentistry

Proudly serving Glenville, Scotia, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Ballston Lake, Round Lake, Clifton Park, and Niskayuna

Call (518) 444-3717

Care that keeps you healthy long term

Preventive visits at Lake Hill Dental Care are designed to catch problems early and help you feel confident in your care. We take time to understand your health history, concerns, and goals. If it’s been a while since your last visit, you won’t be judged here. We’re here to listen, help you feel comfortable, and take the next step together. Our diagnostic tools help us treat the root of disease, not just the symptoms, so you can stay healthy with fewer interventions over time.

Why preventive care matters beyond your smile

Better outcomes through early insight

We use tools like salivary testing, CBCT imaging, and microscope analysis to find issues before they develop into more serious conditions. This allows for care that’s less invasive and easier to manage.

Inflammation is connected to systemic disease

Gum disease and chronic oral inflammation can affect your heart, brain, and immune system. Proactive care protects more than just your teeth.

Familiar care helps reduce fear

Seeing the same team at regular intervals helps build trust and reduce stress around treatment. Many of our patients describe their hygiene visits as the most calming part of their health routine.

Personalized services that keep you healthy

Comprehensive exams

These exams go beyond a quick glance and evaluate your gums, jaw joints, bite, airway, and soft tissue. You’ll receive a periodontal screening, full-mouth imaging if needed, and bacterial assessment through microscopy.

Oral cancer screening

This is a standard part of every exam. We look for tissue changes using both visual and tactile methods, with a focus on catching anything abnormal early. If we find anything that needs follow-up, we’ll guide you through next steps.

Fluoride and enamel support

For patients with sensitivity, demineralization, or cavity risk, we offer fluoride applications or calcium-based remineralization products, which strengthen enamel and help you maintain long-term stability.

Salivary testing and microscopy

We use salivary DNA testing and live microscope slides to evaluate the bacterial balance in your mouth. This allows for targeted treatment and provides a clear picture of your risk for inflammation-related disease.

The preventive care process

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We begin with a conversation

You’ll meet privately with Dr. Denning or Dr. Johnstone to talk through your health history, any past dental experiences, and what you hope to achieve going forward. This part of the visit helps us tailor care to your needs rather than following a fixed template.

2

Then we assess your oral health

Our exam includes a close look at your gums, bone levels, bite alignment, and airway health. We’ll take digital imaging and, if needed, recommend a microscope slide or salivary test to understand your bacterial load and inflammation risk.

3

You get clear guidance and a plan

Based on your exam results, we’ll build a care plan that supports your long-term health. If your oral condition is stable, we’ll set a preventive schedule to help you maintain that. If treatment is needed, we’ll walk you through your options and give you time to decide.

What we see changes how we treat

Dr. Johnstone shares how a personal shift toward health and longevity changed the way she practices dentistry. In this conversation, she explains how microscopy, bacterial testing, and a more human approach help patients understand inflammation, make informed decisions, and feel like partners in their care.

‍Sick Mouth

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Healthy Mouth

Frequently asked questions

For most patients, we recommend a preventive hygiene visit every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, active inflammation, or other ongoing conditions, we may suggest more frequent visits to keep bacteria under control and maintain stability. We'll always personalize your schedule based on your needs, not a one-size-fits-all standard.

A preventive exam at Lake Hill Dental Care includes much more than a basic tooth check. We assess your gums, bone levels, bite, airway, soft tissues, and overall oral health. You’ll also receive screenings for oral cancer and inflammation-related concerns. Depending on your needs, we may include salivary diagnostics or microscopic analysis to gather even more detailed information.

Absolutely. Many of our patients are returning to dentistry after long gaps. If you’ve felt judged, overwhelmed, or afraid in the past, we’ve designed this practice with you in mind. Your first visit is centered on comfort and clarity, so there’s no pressure to commit to treatment immediately. We’ll start by giving you the information you need and support you in taking one step at a time.

Have any further questions? Give us a call.
Call (518) 444-3717

Real patients. Real results.

Don’t take our word for it. See what patients have to say.

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What an amazing team at Lake Hill Dental! I couldn’t be happier with the care I received. Everyone treated me with genuine care, concern, and respect - not just as a patient, but as a person. Highly recommended!

Kim Frustere

I have major dental anxiety and was really nervous about going in, but this office was incredibly kind and caring from start to finish. They weren’t judgmental at all and took the time to explain everything step by step, which really helped calm me down. They listened to my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable the whole time. With a long road of dental work ahead, I’m so glad I was referred here and I finally feel comfortable going to the dentist.

Chelsea Rees

I have been a patient at Lake Hill Dental for several years and am so pleased with the care provided by the Dentists and the staff. For starters, the office is modern and very welcoming which is greatly appreciated.

Over the years, I have been impressed with the thoughtful care given by Dr. Johnstone and Dr. Denning. Recently, I had two experiences with Dr. Denning where he demonstrated both patience and kindness despite a very busy schedule and patient load. He listened to my concerns and responded to them thoughtfully.

I highly recommend Lake Hill Dental!

Janet Evans

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