The health of your teeth and gums impacts much more than just your smile. Inadequate or improper oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease that, if left untreated, may lead to severe complications such as tooth loss and even medical conditions in other areas of your body.
You may feel that your regular dental cleaning is unnecessary if your teeth appear to be healthy, straight, and white, but oftentimes, a decay-causing buildup of plaque or tartar is hidden out of your sight below the gumline. The crevices between your teeth are another common place for bacteria and plaque to hideout. A professional, deep cleaning can reach areas that brushing and flossing at home just can’t find easily.
Prevention and early detection are essential tools for a healthy mouth and overall wellbeing as they normally keep unwanted conditions at bay, and offer better and faster treatment options if any concerns are found. Keeping your dental appointments with Dr. Patel is a great step toward staying on top of your dental care and avoiding future issues. If there is a concern to be found, Dr. Patel can address it before it develops further, saving you time and money. In the event that you require more intensive treatments or therapies, Dr. Patel will talk you through all of the available options and recommend the best course of action to get you the results that you want and need.
Your appointment should be relatively easy if you have been following a regular oral hygiene program. When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll usually do your preventive exam before proceeding to your preventive dental cleaning.
WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING A ROUTINE DENTAL EXAM?
Your appointment will begin with a physical exam and discussion of your oral health and any observations that Dr. Patel has made. She will talk about your current dental hygiene practices and make any needed recommendations and alterations that will keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. The process of the dental exam is as follows:
- The consultation is your opportunity to bring up any problems you have been experiencing and ask Dr. Patel your questions. Remember to mention anything new or unusual that you have noticed. A complete history of your oral health will give your dentist a better understanding of you and how to treat you in the future, so be thorough.
- If it has been a long time, or you have a dental condition that needs to be diagnosed, then X-rays may be ordered to examine your teeth and bone tissue.
- You will always receive a deep cleaning by one of our team of professionals.
- Food and bacteria can become trapped in the top surface of your teeth and cause decay. Dental sealants can be applied to create a protective layer on the chewing surfaces of teeth and will fill in the pits and crevices to prevent further damage. While sealants can’t replace daily brushing and flossing, they will significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities in these areas. Sealants even give you a more even tooth surface for easier and more effective brushing.
- Periodontal therapy may be required if Dr. Patel discovers signs of gum disease. This therapy will remove any infection that is located below your gumline.
- Oral cancer screenings are essential for oral health. Dr. Patel knows the signs to look for and will identify areas of concern or determine your mouth to be healthy.
- Optional follow-ups and services can take place if needed. These can include a mouthguard fitting. Guards are necessary to protect your teeth if you are involved in sports, or tend to grind your teeth. Wearing a mouthguard will reduce your stress and pain.
Our team can also show you how to brush and floss your teeth more effectively. We will pay special attention to any teeth or surfaces that show neglected since you were last seen. This will give you a better understanding of how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home.
HOW ARE MY TEETH CLEANED?
The actual teeth cleaning process is fairly straightforward. There is no need to be nervous, as each step is done with your comfort and care in mind:
- An examination will be conducted of each tooth and your entire mouth to look for noticeable signs of decay or disease.
- Dental cleaning focuses on getting every surface of every tooth clean. We will remove plaque and tartar.
- Periodontal scaling may be done below the gum line if there are signs of buildup that can lead to gum disease. This helps to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that tends to accumulate in these areas and reduce the chance of developing gingivitis
- Polishing is done with gritty toothpaste following the cleaning process. This will scrub each tooth gently until it is bright and sparkling.
- Flossing is an important part of oral care that is often overlooked. Your dentist will use floss to reach between each of your teeth to thoroughly clean the area.
- Fluoride treatments can be applied after cleaning to help protect your teeth. We’ll also verify that you’re getting enough fluoride at home.
After your cleaning has been completed, Dr. Patel will conduct a final inspection of your mouth and let you know if there are any other findings indicating more dental work needs to be done. Any cause for concern will be fully explained and all of your questions answered so you remain informed and in charge of your health.
Our team is made up of caring and knowledgeable professionals. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your appointments and able to easily express yourself. You should always feel free to ask for more information about a procedure or bring up any anxieties that you have.
If your teeth, gums, and bite are all in good order, you’ll simply make your next appointment before you leave. For optimal oral health, it’s best to see us once every six months. In addition, you should always call for an appointment if you experience any pain or notice a new symptom or concern.
Has it been too long since your last cleaning? Call our office or use this form to request an appointment with Dr. Patel.
