The key elements of effective oral health care are comprehensive dental exams and professional dental cleanings every six months. While most patients of the Santa Monica family dentist are aware of the importance of these appointments, but may not know exactly what is involved in a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning.
The following is a brief summary of the steps that we take during your six-month checkups.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
- Check for tooth decay: All tooth surfaces should be checked for decay or changes since the last visit.
- Examine existing restorations: Check condition of current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Gum disease evaluation: It is essential to check the gums and bone surrounding the teeth for signs of periodontal disease.
- Digital x-rays: This step is essential for detecting decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. Digital x-rays will also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Your dentist will check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) will be performed by your dentist or a skilled dental hygienist. Appointments for cleanings include:
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky film that coats your teeth and is made up of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If plaque isn’t removed with oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings, it continues to feed on the sugars in your mouth and produces acid that attacks dental and causes cavities.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): When plaque remains on teeth, it hardens and forms a hard deposit known as tartar or calculus. Since tartar is calcified and adheres to the teeth above and below the gum line, it can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Teeth polishing: Polishing is the final step in the process of your professional cleaning and removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Please call your Santa Monica Family Dentist
If it’s time for your next routine exam and cleaning, please call Dr. Carol Follette to arrange an appointment.