Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.
By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
- Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in our office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
The Exam
During your exam, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. They will likely take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Our X-rays are digital, using minimal radiation to help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye before they become more serious and costly to repair.
Professional Cleanings
Oak Tree Dentistry has highly skilled and experienced dental hygienists, who will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. They will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.
Next, our dental hygiene team will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of instruments to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then they will floss your teeth and use a polishing compound. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
