Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

What Happens During a Typical Dental Checkup?

During the checkup phase of your appointment, we’ll look for signs of cavities and gum disease through both visual and physical examination. We will also take X-rays at least once a year so that we can find symptoms that would otherwise go undetected. If we find an issue, we’ll start creating a treatment plan for you.

Your checkup will also include an oral cancer screening. We’ll look for discolored patches in the mouth, unnatural lumps, and other potentially worrisome symptoms; if we find something concerning, we’ll point you towards a professional who can help you diagnose and treat the condition.

Finally, we’ll take note of the spots where plaque and tartar have built up on your teeth; even if you brush and floss regularly, you might miss several spots without realizing it. We’ll help you find such areas and give you advice on how you can take better care of them in the future.

What Happens During a Typical Teeth Cleaning?

If you don’t remove plaque in time, it’ll harden into tartar, which can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. After one of our dentists or hygienists make sure that you’re comfortable, they’ll get rid of plaque and tartar in your mouth using special tools. Once that’s done, we’ll polish and floss your teeth, so they’ll be as healthy and bright as possible before you leave.

The Importance of Routine Preventive Dental Care

Oral health problems can develop inside of your mouth without you even realizing it. Gum disease is a prime example because it doesn’t cause any noticeable pain in its early stages. It can easily be treated if it’s diagnosed in its earlier stages, but if it’s not detected in time, it could put you at risk for complications such as tooth loss or heart disease.

Regular checkups are the most reliable way to increase your chance of finding oral health issues as quickly as possible. Additionally, while brushing and flossing are important, we can clean your mouth much more thoroughly than you could just on your own.

Most of the time, two appointments a year will help you minimize your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other conditions, though patients who already have less than ideal oral health might benefit from having more frequent cleanings.