Dental Exams and Cleanings
Why is it important to visit your dentist every six months for exams and cleanings?
The health of your teeth and mouth is essential to the well-being of your entire body. Although routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is also crucial.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains beautiful.
By routinely seeing us for exams and cleanings, you can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
- Keep your teeth white by preventing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten your time spend in our office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
What can you expect during a dental exam and why are X-rays important?
During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. We may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning and how can you ensure your comfort during the procedure?
Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine whether you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth. If not, periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.
Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then the hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let us know. We may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort.
If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, the dentist will probably recommend you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
