Exams & Cleanings
In our office, we are equipped with two skilled hygienists who specialize in both routine and deep cleaning treatments, complemented by comprehensive dental examinations. This ensures that our patients receive thorough and tailored oral health care that addresses both preventive maintenance and deeper cleaning needs when necessary.
Here’s a breakdown of the services your office offers:
- General Cleanings (Regular Dental Cleanings):
- Purpose: General cleanings, often referred to as regular dental cleanings or prophylaxis, are typically performed every six months for patients with good oral health.
- Process: During a general cleaning, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth using specialized instruments. They also polish the teeth to remove stains and smooth the tooth surfaces. Flossing and oral hygiene instructions are usually provided to help maintain oral health between visits.
- Benefits: Regular dental exams help in early detection and treatment of oral health issues, preventing them from progressing into more serious problems. They also allow the dentist to provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and discuss any concerns you may have about your dental health.
- Deep Scale Cleanings (Periodontal Maintenance or Scaling and Root Planing):
- Purpose: Deep scale cleanings are performed for patients with gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or those who have significant buildup of plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- Process: Deep scale cleanings involve scaling and root planing:
- Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: Smoothing out rough areas on the roots of the teeth to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
- Benefits: Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) by removing the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to these conditions. They also contribute to fresher breath and a brighter smile.
Note Frequency: Deep scale cleanings may be recommended more frequently than regular cleanings, depending on the severity of gum disease and the patient’s response totreatment.
- Comprehensive Dental Exams:
- Purpose: Comprehensive dental exams are thorough assessments of a patient’s oral health, conducted by a dentist.
- Process: The exam includes:
- Visual inspection of the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- Checking the bite and jaw alignment.
- Reviewing X-rays to detect issues not visible during the visual exam.
- Discussing any concerns or symptoms the patient may have.
- Developing a personalized treatment plan based on findings.
- Benefits: Comprehensive exams help in early detection and treatment of dental problems, ensuring long-term oral health and preventing serious issues.