Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is vital to the well-being of your entire body. Though routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting the dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.

The American Dental Association recommends that people visit their dentist every six months to ensure their teeth stay healthy and their 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 an exam, a dentist will thoroughly examine a person’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Pending cooperation, we may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. These digital X-rays will help our team discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine whether you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will also perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean and floss your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from them.  

Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. They may offer several options to ensure your comfort.

If one of our dentists or hygienists finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments.

If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, Dr. Joshua, Dr. Jason, Dr. Rachel, Dr. Jill, or Dr. Jordee will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.