CLEANING AND EXAMS
Keeping your mouth in tip-top shape requires regular cleanings and exams. During these visits, you can expect to have your teeth cleaned of any tartar or plaque buildup, as well as a check-up for any signs of disease or decay. Whatever we come across, there will always be a heartful discussion to figure out the best possible game plan for treatment.
What can I expect from the cleaning and exam?
The first step to maintaining a healthy mouth is to simply begin with the exam and cleaning. The initial exam will involve us taking diagnostic records, which are used to identify any areas that may require special attention. Safe digital x-rays and intraoral images aid us in providing a comprehensive evaluation. An oral cancer screening will also be conducted at every visit. If there are any issues that need to be addressed, together we will formulate a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. As always, we will provide any tips or insight on how to keep your oral health in great condition.
How often should I visit Healthy Smiles?
For regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, we recommend scheduling biannual visits, or once every six months. Regular dental visits will allow you to maintain a healthy mouth and ensure that you don’t have any major dental issues that may go unnoticed, such as cavities, misaligned teeth, tooth wear from grinding, infections and more. For patients who require deep cleanings and more extensive care, we recommend visits every three to four months to prevent tartar and plaque from building up underneath the gums.
Why do I need to see the dentist?
To put it simply, establishing routine dental care will often spare you from major oral health problems in the long run. A common misconception is that you only need to see the dentist when there’s a problem. There may be several issues in the early stages that you may be completely unaware of, including tooth decay, gingivitis, bone loss, teeth grinding, and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). If left untreated, these conditions may continue to worsen over time, leading to more extensive treatment and requiring oral surgery at times. Diagnosing these problems early on will allow us to treat them in the most conservative manner.
How long is this visit?
Your initial visit will take about an hour and a half. This time is needed to capture safe digital x-rays and intraoral images along with a comprehensive clinical examination to carefully identify any areas that require special attention. A gentle and thorough cleaning will have you leaving with a fresh new mouth! If you plan on visiting with a family member, please let us know and we will gladly accommodate a time for all of you to be seen in the most efficient manner.