Dental Exams and Cleanings
Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
- Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in your dentist's office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
The Exam
During your exam, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. We may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
In addition to the comprehensive exam, we will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums are healthy, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.
Next, we will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then, we will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, please be sure to let us know. If tooth decay or gum disease is found during the exam, we will talk with you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, we will most likely recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.