All That Dental Exams and Cleanings Entail
Do you know the significance of going for regular dental cleanings and exams in your dentist’s office? Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial parts of preventive dental health care. The exams involve identifying potential dental problems that can progress to dental problems that require complex treatments.
On the other hand, professional dental cleanings aid in removing plaque and tartar on the gum line and teeth surfaces, thus reducing the risks of tooth decay and periodontal diseases. During the cleaning procedure, your oral hygienist will also advise you on how to enhance your dental hygiene routine.
What Should I Expect During a Dental Exam and Cleaning Procedure?
If you are scheduling the first teeth cleaning and exam procedure in your area, you can ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or search on google. When choosing a dentist, you should consider one within a convenient location and participates in your dental health care plan.
Preparation
The initial step of dental exams and cleanings in Cambridge, ON, is preparation by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. At the dental office, you can explain your concerns to the dentist. The dentist will then be able to adjust your treatment plan, thus making you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
During the Procedure
During the exam, your dentist can do the following:
Teeth Cleaning
During a routine cleaning, your oral hygienist uses a small scaling tool to scrape tartar below and above the gum line. Alternatively, the dentist can use an ultrasonic vibrating device to loosen tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces.
Next, your oral hygienist will gently floss between your teeth and use a mildly abrasive paste to polish the teeth surfaces, making it hard for plaque to accumulate on them.
Physical Exams
Your dentist will evaluate your overall health since some systemic general health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus might first show their signs in the mouth. The dentist will then check for signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bone degradation. In case you have a damaged tooth, your dentist can evaluate the need for tooth restoration or replacement.
Also, your dentist can evaluate your need for fluoride treatments and recommend the best ways for restoring fluoride deposits.
Oral Cancer Screening
During the examination procedure, your dentist checks for any signs of oral cancer. The oral cancer exam can be physical or use of dyes and special lights.
When physically examining for oral cancer, your dentist will check for lumps or spots on your mouth walls and under the tongue as well as lumps on your neck.
To check for abnormal cells in your mouth, the dentist will apply a blue dye in your mouth. The abnormal cells will tend to absorb the dye and appear blue. When using light, surfaces with abnormal cells appear white while the normal ones appear to be darker.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays help your dentist to see detailed images of sections on your mouth and diagnose dental problems that are not visible through a physical exam. However, x-rays are not necessary during every dental exam. Therefore, your dentist will only recommend x-rays depending on the condition of your mouth and the risk of developing some dental problems.
While you might be concerned about your safety during x-rays, at Dental Arts Clinic, we use digital x-rays that reduce the risks of radiation.
Dental Impressions
In some cases, your dentist can take impressions of teeth on one or both jaws. The dentist creates a replica of one or both jaws, thus helping in evaluating your bite, creating a mouthguard, or bleaching trays.
When making dental impressions, your dentist uses a horseshoe-shaped soft material. Next, the dentist places the material on your teeth on both jaws and asks you to bite down.
Results
After the procedures, your dentist will discuss your oral health and how to prevent potential dental issues. In the case of a dental problem, the dental specialist will recommend treatment immediately, preventing further complications.
Your dentist will recommend a follow up visit after six months or less. However, if you are at the risk of tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist will advise you to visit the dental office for frequent check-ups. Also, your dentist will advise on ways to reduce the risks.