Dental Procedures To Expect During Your Dental Exams and Cleanings
Over the years, dental issues have increased drastically. Even with good oral hygiene, it’s possible to find yourself trapped in an ugly dental situation. This not only drains your energy and savings, but it also affects your daily lifestyle and routine. Some situations can be more serious if diagnosed with a condition such as oral cancer. Symptoms can be severe and life-threatening.
Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid getting into such a messy situation through regular dental exams and cleanings. Even if you don’t have existing dental problems or symptoms, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are still essential in preventing dental diseases.
Generally, dental exams and cleanings seek to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental problems. Dental exams can help check for gum disease, oral cancer, infections, damaged restoration, and other dental defects. In addition, dental cleanings focus on removing stains, bacteria, and built-up tartar on the teeth, reducing the risk of developing dental problems.
Who Needs Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Anyone concerned about their oral and overall well-being should see their dentist every six months or sooner for dental check-ups and professional cleaning. Individuals at high risk of developing dental issues should visit the dental office more regularly.
People at higher risk of developing dental problems include:
- Children and older people.
- Smokers.
- Family history of dental problems.
- Diabetes.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with weak immune systems.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
If you’re curious about what happens during a dental exam, here is a breakdown of what to expect:
Please note that these procedures are bound to change based on your situation and your dentist’s preferences.
1. X-Rays and Other Images
To review your oral condition thoroughly, your dentist may need to have a closer look at your situation, which can’t be done with bare eyes. For instance, a dentist will require X-rays to diagnose or detect cysts, decay, tumors, infections, and bone loss.
For healthy individuals, most dentists perform X-rays once a year. The dentist may need more X-rays exams for patients with existing dental issues and those at high risk for dental problems.
2. Examining Existing Restoration
If you have any restorations, it’s necessary to have them checked by the dentist regularly to make sure that they’re in perfect shape. During the exam, the dentist will also repair or replace any damaged restoration.
3. Screening for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a fatal oral disease. Fortunately, if it’s detected early, it can be treated. The screening exams look for signs of oral cancer at your cheeks, throat, gums, sinuses, face, neck, lips, tongue, and tissues. Oral screening should be done at least once per year.
4. Examining for Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Cavities and gum disease are the most popular oral problems, affecting millions of people globally. During the dental exam, the dentist checks on the teeth, gums, and bones to check for signs of cavities or gum disease.
5. Preventive Dentistry
To promote your dental hygiene and health, the dentist may also perform preventive treatments such as sealant application and fluoride treatment.
What Happens During Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleaning is a preventive procedure that focuses on promoting good oral hygiene practices. Dental cleanings help to prevent or reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. During the appointment, here’s is what to expect:
1. Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Even if we brush our teeth daily, food particles and other debris can get trapped between the teeth, especially the back teeth. Continued build-up of this debris forms plaque, making your teeth a breeding ground for bacteria.
If plaque is not removed sooner, it hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to get rid of. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up often leads to cavities, gum disease, and infections. During dental cleanings, the dentist brush, floss, and uses special equipment’s to clean and remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth, promoting your oral health.
2. Teeth Whitening or Stain Removal
If your teeth are stained or discolored, the dentist can perform a whitening treatment to brighten your smile. Ensure you avoid staining habits such as smoking and consuming colored foods and beverages to prevent reversing the treatment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you need dental exams and cleanings services? Are you interested in learning more about these procedures? Contact Hammond Pond Dental Group today to learn how to take control of your oral health.