Dental Exams & Cleanings
Dentist Brentwood
What are Exams and Cleanings?
Brentwood Dentist
Exams and cleanings are part of a comprehensive dental regimen to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Exams are performed to check for cavities, loose restoration work and other problems such as oral cancer. Cleanings are performed by licensed hygienists who work to remove tartar, plaque and stains from your teeth. The cleaning and exam will include a gum check to detect signs of gingivitis or gum disease.
Why are Exams and Cleanings needed?
Dentist Brentwood
Regardless of how long it’s been since your last cleaning and exam, it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. The reason exams are needed is because they check for problems before they are allowed to get worse. Treatment is easier and less invasive when the dental problem is found early on. Cleanings are essential because they can prevent gum disease by removing hardened plaque, known as tartar, that is irritating the gums and causing tooth decay.
How often should Exams and Cleanings be done?
Brentwood Dentist
Exams and cleanings should be done every six months as part of your preventative care regimen. By coming into the office every six months, we can monitor for any changes and offer treatment when needed. Six month cleanings help to remove any built-up tartar from causing tooth decay and irritation to the gums. Children, teens, adults and seniors alike should be coming in regularly for dental checkups.
What can you expect with Exams and Cleanings?
Dentist Brentwood
We begin with a cleaning, which involves removing all tartar and stains from the teeth. The hygienist then flosses and polishes the teeth before checking the gums. The gum check involves measuring the pocketing between each tooth, which determines if gingivitis or gum disease is present. Once the cleaning is done, the exam is performed to check for cavities, problematic restorations and even oral cancer. We can pre-schedule your exams and cleanings to make them more convenient for you.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for an exam and cleaning, call our office today and we will be able to get you in as soon as possible.
