Our general dentist recommends that most patients receive a dental exam every six months. This exam is a crucial aspect of your dental health routine and can catch early signs of decay or gum disease before they can advance and cause more damage. A thorough dental cleaning and dental x ray may also be a part of your regular exam.

Dental Exam

At your exam, our dentist will carefully examine your teeth for any signs of cavities and check that your fillings and crowns are intact. If you have any cavities, a temporary filling may be necessary until a permanent filling can be placed. Our local dentist will also check your gums to ensure they are healthy and have no signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding during flossing. You may also be checked for any signs of sores, lesions, or ulcers.

Dental Cleaning

Our dentist performs a deep cleaning on your teeth and removes all traces of plaque and tartar, even from places you may not be able to see. If it is not cleaned away, plaque and tartar will irritate your gums and can lead to serious oral health conditions. Our dentist and hygienist use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup during your dental cleaning. These tools may include an ultrasonic device that vibrates the debris away and fine hand tools that carefully remove smaller deposits.

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, we can then polish your teeth to really make them shine. Polishing will leave your teeth feeling incredibly clean and smooth. Before you leave, our dentist may suggest a fluoride treatment. Fluoride may be placed in trays before being placed in your mouth. The gel is not to be swallowed. Fluoride is intended to harden the enamel of your teeth and strengthen areas made weak by plaque or tartar.

Dental X Ray

You may also have X-rays taken at your appointment. Our dentist may take X-rays annually or every two years, depending on your oral health history. A dental x ray will show evidence of decay that may be hidden between your teeth. They can also reveal jawbone density and certain indicators of periodontal disease.

A dental exam is critical to your oral health even if you wear dentures. Our dentist can check to ensure your dentures still fit properly and monitor your oral health in other ways. While our dentist encourages most patients to visit every six months, some may need to visit more frequently. If you have diabetes, if you have a history of gum disease or extensive tooth decay, if you smoke, or if you have a weakened immune system, our dentist may recommend a different exam schedule.

Contact our dental clinic today to schedule your next appointment.