What are Dental Exams & Cleanings?
A dental exam as well as a cleaning are both designed to help keep your teeth healthy and clean. Cleanings are crucial in that they remove hardened plaque, known as tartar, from the teeth. Exams allow us to check for minor problems before the issue is allowed to get worse. We recommend coming into the office every six months for both a cleaning and exam.
Why would Dental Exams & Cleanings be needed?
The reason you need professional cleanings and exams every six months is because these checkup appointments allow us to keep up with your dental health. Even with the best at-home care, your teeth can still get a tartar buildup on them over time. This tartar can contribute to both tooth decay as well as gum disease, so it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Exams are helpful in that they alert us to problems so that treatment is quicker, easier and more effective.
Who is a candidate for Dental Exams & Cleanings?
Everyone is a good candidate for both regular exams and cleanings. In fact, if you’re a parent, we recommend bringing your child in for their first appointment before the age of two. From that point on, it’s a good idea for you and your family to come in every six months for a checkup appointment. Regardless of how long it’s been since your last appointment, we offer this care in a judgement-free manner.
What happens during the appointment for Dental Exams & Cleanings?
The appointment will normally begin with x-rays and a cleaning. The cleaning is done by our registered hygienist, who will clear away debris, tartar and surface stains from your teeth. The hygienist will then floss and polish your teeth to a high shine. The gums are checked for signs of either gingivitis or gum disease before an exam is performed. The exam is performed to look for problems that could be detrimental to your oral health. We then schedule you for any additional work that is needed.
If you would like to come into our office for an exam and cleaning, call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.