Regular preventative care is an effective way to help reduce costly dental issues. Aside from brushing and flossing daily, routine dental cleanings and exams are the best preventative dentistry. During routine cleanings and exams, your dentist will have the chance to diagnose dental problems before they have a chance to worsen.

During the exam your teeth will be cleaned and be checked for cavities or gum disease. Some examinations may include dental x-rays and an oral cancer screening. Exams are also an ideal time for the hygienist to go over proper brushing and flossing techniques and making you aware of trouble areas to pay attention to. The exam will typically start by checking for signs of gingivitis with a small mirror. Next tartar and plaque, located along your gum line between the teeth, will be scraped away using a scaler. During this process it is normal to hear a scraping noise. To ensure all tartar has been removed a high-powered electric brush, along with a gritty toothpaste, will be used on your teeth. Lastly, your teeth will be flossed to ensure that we have removed everything from between your teeth; this is also an excellent time to refresh on proper flossing technique. Once the flossing is done you’ll rinse your mouth out and the hygienist will go over any trouble spots. 

Before your appointment is over we will schedule your next routine cleaning. It is still important for those individuals who no longer have natural teeth to still get regular dental exams; these will allow your dentist to check the fit on your dentures and your oral health. You may need to be seen more often than every six months if you have oral health problems or are at a higher risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay.