The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:
During your exam, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. If you have not had dental X-rays taken elsewhere with in the past year that can be emailed to our office, we will want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. These images will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
One of our hygienists will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure that your gingiva (gums) are healthy and to evaluate the bone around your teeth.
Your teeth will be cleaned with a variety of instruments to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth, followed by polishing and flossing. After the hygienist has cleaned your teeth, either Dr. Larry Tepe or Dr. Jan Tepe will review your x-rays, examine your teeth, and do an oral cancer screening exam.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. If we find 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, we will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
