Dental Exams and Check-Ups

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden into tartar and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. If left untreated, it could lead to bone loss, more commonly known as periodontal disease.  Good routine dental care and regular check ups keep your mouth healthy and help prevent infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care. We can provide suggestions for future care to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be addressed sooner. 

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be seen.  We may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as, frequency of cavities and susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as smoking and gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a routine dental exam and cleaning, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing any  deposits, called tartar or calculus, and surface stains that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay, gum disease and perform a complete oral cancer screening.  X-rays  may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current home care. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good home care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, medications you are currently taking, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up before the end of your visit.