Dental Exams & Cleanings
What is a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
A dental exam helps to check for signs of decay and other intraoral problems like loose teeth, fillings and bridge work. A cleaning is performed by a dental hygienist and is done to remove tartar and hardened plaque from your teeth. During a cleaning, your gums will be checked for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. Both exams and cleanings are part of a comprehensive preventative care routine.
Why do you need a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
Dental exams and cleanings are crucial in keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Without a regular bi-annual exam, minor issues will go untreated and become worse. Cleanings are important because they remove hardened plaque, calculus and staining that can cause problems with gum health. It is important to have a dental exam and cleaning done every six months.
You should never be ashamed to come into the office if you haven't had your teeth checked in awhile, since establishing a better oral health routine is always important.
What makes you a good candidate for Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Everyone at any age is a good candidate for dental exams and cleanings. It is recommended that kids as early as one year old come into the office for their first exam and cleaning. Even if you wear a full set of dentures, an exam is necessary to check for signs of bone loss and gum health. You should never be ashamed to come into the office if you haven’t had your teeth checked in awhile, since establishing a better oral health routine is always important.
What happens during the procedure for a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
You will first come into the office and have a series of x-rays taken. The hygienist will then work on cleaning your teeth. The hygienist will measure your gum pockets to check for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. Once the cleaning has been done, the doctor will come in and examine your teeth, gums and mouth. An oral cancer screening will be done during your examination. Both the cleaning and exam should take no longer than an hour and you will be told if any additional work is necessary once the exam is complete.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning, call our office today so that we can further assist you.