General Dentistry

Dental Cleaning and Exams

Your path to a healthy mouth starts at home with regular brushing and flossing. The next critical step is the expert care provided by your dentist. Routine dental checkups are vital to your good oral hygiene and are the best way to detect problems early. Early detection and treatment can save you and your family unnecessary pain and expense in the long run.

It is typically recommended to have a professional dental cleaning every six months. Cleanings are crucial to prevent the excessive buildup of plaque, which if unchecked can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In certain situations, is too late to provide dental treatment and save a tooth if there are symptoms already present.

What to expect?

Typical procedures that may be part of your routine examination include:

• Diagnostic X-rays
• Pocket depth measurements of the gums
• Evaluation of bone loss
• Periodontal screening for gum diseases
• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing
• Oral cancer screenings
• Dental examination
• Fluoride varnish application (as needed)

After your exam, your dentist or hygienist will go over your results and provide a personalized treatment plan based on your dental needs. Be sure to discuss any oral issues or discomfort you may be feeling before your exam. Your dentist can only treat the problems they know about. A follow-up visit may be scheduled at this time depending on the nature of dental needs.