DENTAL EXAM & CLEANING

Your comprehensive dental examination includes a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. We’ll check for signs of plaque and cavities as well as evaluate the health of your gums. Paying attention to the gums can show us signs of gingivitis such as inflammation or tissue loss. Because gingivitis can lead to tooth decay and possibly tooth loss when the gums recede from the root of the tooth, it’s important to detect the disease and get it treated early. X-rays are normally taken once a year.

After the examination, you will receive a general teeth cleaning. Normally, this is performed by a dental hygienist, who will begin by using a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar that has accumulated at the gum line, as well as in between the teeth. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will brush your teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush. The toothpaste used at the dentist office has a gritty consistency that gently scrubs and polishes the teeth, removing any traces of tartar that may have remained after the scaling. Following the brushing, you’ll receive an expert flossing, which not only removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning process, but can also alert the hygienist of any potential trouble spots where you might be bleeding at the gums. You’ll need to rinse your mouth to get rid of any debris, usually with a fluoride rinse.

Ready to schedule your dental exams and cleaning with our specialist? Seeing us regularly makes it easier to catch any potential problems before they become too serious and keeps your mouth in good health, so make sure you schedule an appointment every six months. We look forward to seeing you and your smile!