Dental Exams and Cleanings
Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your teeth and mouth is essential to the well-being of your entire body. Although routine brushing and flossing at home are necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting our office for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is just as important.
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains beautiful.
By routinely seeing us 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, Dr. Lape or Dr. Johnson-Curry will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. We may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. The images will help our team discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine whether you have any suspicious areas for our dentists to examine. That allows for two sets of eyes on your oral condition. The hygienist will 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, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar). Then the hygienist will polish, floss, and apply fluoride.
Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let us know. We may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort.
If the dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, we may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, Dr. Johnson-Curry or Dr. Lape will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
