Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dental Exams
Routine dental exam and follow-ups every 6 to 12 months are a great way for timely diagnoses and appropriate treatment of oral diseases. During a dental exam, we thoroughly examine all your teeth, gums and other structures in and around mouth. When indicated necessary diagnostic procedures like radiographs (x-rays), study casts, special photographs, electronic pulp testing etc. are utilized. Often we discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Depending on your need other topics for discussion during a dental exam may include:
- Any medications you're taking
- Use of tobacco products
- Consequences of tooth loss
- Benefits of crowns, fixed bridges or dental implants
- Use of dentures
- Cosmetic procedures
We will evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay, tooth-loss, gum and periodontal diseases. Certain procedures like oral prophylaxis (dental cleaning) and fluoride applications performed during these follow-ups can help in prevention of many oral problems.
We patiently take time to identify and explain not only the problems but also the various treatment procedures needed to bring your mouth to 100% health. A dental exam also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about oral health. We will address your questions and concerns.
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings involve removing color stains, plaque and calculus deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth. While this is a good thing, it also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like limescale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in color. These build-ups allow for bad bacteria to thrive next to the gums and cause gingivitis and periodontal disease, bone loss around teeth, mobile teeth, bad breath and even loss of teeth.
The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is to remove color stains and deposits, leaving the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them. Very often cleaning makes your teeth look lighter and brighter, improving your smile.
Due to many factors the amount of color stains and hard deposits vary from person to person. Dr Atraya will determine the schedule for your regular cleanings. Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year. Regular dental cleanings gives you a better chance of keeping your teeth cleaner, gums healthier and maintain a beautiful smile.