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 calcify and harden into tartar, and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily, since they only get more costly and difficult to treat over time.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams generally take place every six months but it’s not a one-size-fits-all.  Based on many influencing factors some of our patients need to be seen every 3 or 4 months. We would much rather stay AHEAD of the problems and keep you healthy, than playing catch-up once they develop.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, we will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains, plaque, and deposits called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. X-rays may be performed to more closely identify any problems. We will review your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.  Of course, we will answer any questions you may have for us, as well.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, with an electric toothbrush, and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, 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, change in dental benefits, and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits –we are not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure optimal dental and overall health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future recare visit.