Dental Exams & Cleanings

Maintaining good oral health is crucial to overall well-being, and regular visits to your dentist for dental exams and cleanings are among the best ways to achieve this. Dental exams are essential in detecting early signs of oral health problems and addressing them before they worsen. Similarly, dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.Dental Exams & Cleanings

 

Preventive measures like dental exams and cleanings can save you a significant amount of time, money, and pain in the long run by preventing more extensive dental issues from developing. That's why it is crucial to schedule regular visits to your dentist, ideally twice a year.

 

At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental, we offer comprehensive dental exams and cleanings for patients of all ages. Our team of dental professionals recommends that our patients visit us every six months for routine checkups. During your visit, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay, cavities, or gum disease. We will also remove any plaque or tartar buildup through a thorough cleaning to ensure optimal oral health.

Dental Exam

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs):

During a dental exam, the examination of diagnostic x-rays, also known as radiographs, is an essential aspect of identifying dental problems that are not visible to the naked eye. At Silvertooth Family Dental, we use state-of-the-art digital radiography technology, which is safer and more efficient than traditional x-rays.

 

Digital radiography allows our dental professionals to obtain high-quality images of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. These images are essential in identifying dental issues such as cavities, periodontal disease, cysts, and tumors. Digital radiography also allows us to compare current images with previous ones to monitor changes in your oral health.

 

During the examination of diagnostic x-rays, our dental professionals will place a small, comfortable sensor in your mouth, which will capture the images. The process is quick and painless, and the images are available instantly on a computer screen. This means that we can discuss your treatment options with you on the spot, without the need for additional appointments.

Oral cancer screening:

Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people each year. Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. As part of our commitment to your overall oral health, Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental includes oral cancer screening as part of our comprehensive dental exams.

 

Oral cancer screening is a quick and painless Dental Cleanings & Preventionprocedure that involves examining the oral tissues and identifying any suspicious lesions or abnormalities. During your dental exam, our dental professionals will carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for signs of oral cancer. We will also check for any lumps or bumps on your neck or head.

 

At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental, we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable oral cancer screenings. Our dental professionals are highly trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and will take immediate action if necessary.

 

Oral cancer screening is particularly important for those who are at higher risk, such as smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with a family history of oral cancer. However, everyone can benefit from regular oral cancer screenings as it can affect anyone, regardless of their risk factors.

Gum disease evaluation:

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria that accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and eventually, the destruction of the gum tissues and supporting bone. Early detection and treatment of gum disease are essential to prevent further damage to your oral health. At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental, we include a gum disease evaluation as part of our comprehensive dental exams.

 

During your dental exam, our dental professionals will carefully examine your gums to evaluate your risk of developing gum disease. We will check for signs of gum inflammation, bleeding, recession, and pockets around the teeth that may indicate the presence of gum disease. Our dental professionals will also evaluate the health of your gums by measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. A deeper pocket indicates a higher risk of gum disease.

 

If gum disease is detected during your evaluation, our dental professionals will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to address the issue. Treatment options for gum disease may include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or in severe cases, surgery.

 

Regular gum disease evaluations are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing further damage to your gums and teeth. At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care, including comprehensive gum disease evaluations.

Examination of tooth decay:

Tooth decay is a common oral health issue that affects many people of all ages. It is caused by bacteria that accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to the breakdown of tooth enamel and eventually, the formation of cavities. Early detection of tooth decay is essential to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental, we include an examination of tooth decay as part of our comprehensive dental exams.

 

During your dental exam, our dental professionals will carefully examine your teeth to evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay. We will check for any visible signs of tooth decay, such as cavities or discoloration, and use dental tools to check the health of your tooth enamel. Our dental professionals will also evaluate any existing dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, to ensure they are in good condition and not contributing to tooth decay.

Examination of existing restorations:

Existing dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants, play a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health. These restorations can help restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. However, over time, dental restorations can wear down or become damaged, potentially leading to further oral health issues. At Silvertooth Family Dental, we include an examination of existing restorations as part of our comprehensive dental exams.

 

During your dental exam, our dental professionals will carefully examine your existing dental restorations to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. We will check for any visible signs of wear or damage and use dental tools to evaluate the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Our dental professionals may also take x-rays or other imaging tests to assess the condition of the underlying tooth structure.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Registered Dental Hygienists usually perform professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis). Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stains and plaque not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
  • Fluoride treatment: This can help to prevent cavities, especially in children.
  • Sealants: A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). This protects the teeth from tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Exams & Cleanings

There are many benefits to having regular dental exams and cleanings. Some of these benefits include:

 

  1. Prevent cavities and gum disease: One of the primary benefits of dental exams and cleanings is the prevention of cavities and gum disease. Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and gums can cause bacterial infections that can lead to serious oral health issues.
  2. Early detection of dental problems: Dental exams can help catch dental problems early, when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Your dentist can identify any cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental issues during your exam.
  3. Save time and money: Preventive care is always less expensive and less time-consuming than treating a problem after it has already developed. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help you avoid more costly and time-consuming treatments later on.
  4. Improve overall health: Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to numerous health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help improve your overall health.
  5. Brighten your smile: Dental cleanings can remove surface stains from teeth, leaving you with a brighter, cleaner smile.
  6. Education and advice: Your dentist or hygienist can provide you with education and advice on how to improve your oral health. They can give you tips on brushing and flossing, recommend products to use, and answer any questions you may have about your oral health.

When to Schedule a Dental Exam & Cleaning

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year for a dental exam and cleaning. You may need to visit more often if you have certain risk factors for dental problems. These risk factors include:

 

  1. Smoking or using tobacco products can significantly increase your risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Tobacco use can also delay the healing process after dental procedures and increase the risk of complications.
  2. Drinking alcohol excessively can also harm your oral health. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, which can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria and plaque buildup. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
  3. Using illegal drugs can have a negative impact on your oral health. Drugs such as methamphetamine can cause severe tooth decay, while other drugs can cause dry mouth, gum disease, and oral infections.
  4. Having diabetes can increase your risk of developing gum disease, as high blood sugar levels can make it easier for bacteria to grow in your mouth. Conversely, gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, which can worsen diabetes symptoms.
  5. Being pregnant can also affect your oral health, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease. Pregnant women should schedule regular dental exams and cleanings to help prevent oral health problems.
  6. Having a weakened immune system can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth, leading to an increased risk of oral infections and gum disease.
  7. Having a family history of dental problems can also increase your risk of developing similar issues. Genetics can play a role in the development of certain oral health conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
  8. Having certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or eating disorders, can also impact your oral health. For example, some heart disease medications can cause dry mouth, while individuals with eating disorders may experience tooth erosion from frequent vomiting.

 

If you have any of these risk factors, you should talk to your dentist about how often you should schedule a dental exam and cleaning.

 

Don't wait until you have dental problems to schedule a visit with your dentist. Take control of your oral health by scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings. Remember, prevention is the key to maintaining a healthy smile! If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above or if it has been more than a year since your last dental visit, it's time to schedule an appointment. Contact us at Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning today.

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