Dental Exams/Cleanings
In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine where needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or nightguards to protect against bruxism & TMJ.
If we feel that you are suffering from gingivitis or more severe gum disease, we may recommend a root scaling or planing. These measures can be instrumental in preventing bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth.
Dental exams
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist for all new patients at their initial visit. For regular check-up exams, your dentist will do the following:
- Oral Cancer Screenings
During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas.
Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at an early stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Examination of x-rays (radiographs)
Essential for detection of tumors, cysts, decay and bone loss
- Examination of teeth for decay
All teeth will be checked for decay
- Examination of existing restorations
Check all restorations in mouth such as fillings and crowns, bridgework, etc.
Scaling & Root Planing - Professional Dental Cleaning
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure in which the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for awhile and is firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus above and below the gums can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that form on the teeth. It is a growing colony of bacteria, food, debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce poisons (toxins) that inflame the gums. This is the start of periodontal disease.
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
- Fluoride: Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and we are supported by many health and professional organizations.
Dentists and dental hygienists generally recommend that all patients have a professional application of fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist and dental hygienist may prescribe at home and/or professional fluoride treatment for the following reasons:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces.
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits.
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake.
- Inadequate exposure to fluoride.
- Inadequate saliva flow due to medical reasons or medications.
- Recent history of dental decay.
Fluoride alone will not prevent decay. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, reduce sugar intake and visit your dentist on a regular basis.
