C
leaning & Prevention: Dental Exams & Cleanings
The Clinical Dental Exam
At your initial dental visit, your dentist will perform a Comprehensive Dental Exam and provide the same
thorough exam at your regular check-up exam and cleaning visits. Your dentist and hygienist will include the following in
their exam and assessments:
- Examination of Diagnostic Dental X-rays: Necessary and essential for detection of decay, tumors,
bone loss and cysts and x-rays aid in determining tooth and root positions.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, oral tissues and gums for any signs
of oral cancer or abnormal and concerning lesions.
- Examination for Tooth Decay: Special dental instruments are used to check all surfaces of each tooth for
decay.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check all existing fillings, crowns, bridgework, removable
partials, dentures, mouth guards and retainers.
- Gum disease evaluation: Special dental instruments are used to check the gums and bone around the teeth
for any signs of periodontal disease.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between dental
visits. Food, beverages, and tobacco can stain teeth as well. Your dental cleaning will include a dental exam and the
following:
- Removal of Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on
our teeth. It is the main cause of “cavities”, the holes created in the teeth from decay and gum disease. Plaque will
harden into calculus (tartar) if not removed daily with brushing and flossing and for some, other oral hygiene products
recommended by your dentist and hygienist. The live plaque bacteria produces toxins that inflame the gums. This
inflammation is the beginning of periodontal disease and may be noticed by bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
- Removal of Calculus: Calculus is plaque that has hardened and is firmly attached to the tooth, as a
result of plaque being left on the tooth for some time. Calculus forms above and below the level of the gum line and is
removed with special dental instruments during the cleaning procedure.
- Teeth Polishing: Polishing the teeth removes sticky plaque and stains not removed during home brushing
and dental scaling during your cleaning visit. Your teeth feel smooth and free of debris and your mouth feels
refreshed.
New Patient Exam
In Office Cleaning
