Maintain Optimal Oral Health with Routine Dental Cleanings and Exams
By receiving regular dental cleanings and exams from our dental office in Glastonbury, CT, near Hartford, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease while improving your oral health. We recommend that our patients schedule a cleaning and exam every six months to achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We may recommend more frequent visits for patients suffering from gum disease or other complications.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Dental Cleaning
When you visit our office for your checkup, one of our dental hygienists will clean your teeth. This will remove plaque and tartar that you cannot usually reach with your standard toothbrush and floss. By removing these deposits, we reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental cleanings also remove surface stains from your teeth, so that your smile appears brighter and healthier.
Dental Examination
Once your dental cleaning is complete, we will conduct a thorough examination. This will include an examination of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of decay, disease, and other complications. He will also evaluate your jaw, head, and neck, for signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Regular dental cleanings and exams are an important component in the maintenance of your oral health, and can help you avoid painful complications such as tooth decay and gum disease.
If we discover any decay, he can usually provide you with a dental filling in the same appointment, so you do not have to return for a second appointment. Other issues may require more extensive work and a second appointment.
Scaling and Root Planing
If evidence of gum disease is found during your exam, we may recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Part of your exam will include measurements of pocket depth. These pockets form where your gum tissues meet your teeth and are an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. The scaling process removes tartar from the teeth and gums within those pockets. Root planing smoothes the bone, making it more difficult for bacteria to cling there in the future.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and is provided at the end of the dental cleaning to patients at risk. This most often includes children and seniors. When combined with regular use of a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay.
X-rays
X-rays of your teeth and jaw are typically taken once per year. These allow us a complete view of the state of your oral health. He can identify early signs of decay, problems with existing fillings, as well as any misalignment in your bite or jaw.
Oral Cancer Screening
If you are at risk of developing oral cancer, your biannual exams will also include oral cancer screening. Those at risk typically include patients over the age of 40, those with a family history of oral cancer, and those who use tobacco products. During this screening, we will examine the soft tissues in your mouth, looking for any abnormal areas of growth, sores, or discoloration.
Schedule Your Next Checkup
Regular dental cleanings and exams are an important component in the maintenance of your oral health. To avoid painful complications such as tooth decay and gum disease, contact our dental office today and schedule your next appointment.