Dental Cleanings and Exams

Dental cleanings and exams are some of the most basic, yet most important preventive treatments we provide at our practice. Regular dental visits not only help us keep your mouth clean, but they also allow us to check for signs of potential dental issues. When dealing with a dental health problem – early diagnosis and treatment is the key to an effective treatment. Together, we can keep your smile healthy for a lifetime!

How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?

Our doctors at Oral Implants & Reconstructive Dentistry recommend patients come in for a visit at least twice a year, or every six months. Oral health problems can develop quickly and become serious in a short amount of time. Frequent exams allow us to check for signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer and provide a quick response.

What Do the Exams Include?

During your examination, Dr. Heller or Dr. DiDonato will look for any signs of potential health problems. To do this, they will check your mouth for unusual bumps, discoloration, inflammation, and tension. Because dental health includes more than just teeth and gums, they will also examine your face, neck, and throat.

Your exam will include:

• A gingival pocket exam
• Tooth exam
• Oral cancer screening
• Visual exam of the face, jaw, and neck
• Intraoral exam of the throat

If necessary, we may also recommend taking digital X-rays to check the integrity of your teeth, roots, and jaw structure.

Why Are Professional Cleanings Important?

We conduct a quality professional cleaning before each routine exam. During your cleaning, one of our skilled dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth, gums, and mouth. We will remove any built-up plaque and tartar from the surface of your enamel and will floss between your teeth. We will also look for signs of cavities, infection, and abnormal swelling.

Regular cleanings play an important role in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental health problems. When combined with a great oral hygiene routine, they provide an excellent way to keep your smile healthy.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth at Home?

Maintaining a great dental hygiene routine at home is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. To effectively care for your oral health, we recommend brushing and flossing at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Dental products with fluoride are the most effective as fluoride works to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.

To prevent stains and discoloration, avoid consuming darkly-colored foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, and tea. Tobacco products are also known for causing discoloration and damaging the soft tissues of the mouth. To prevent tooth damage, avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice.

If you would like to learn more about the importance of oral hygiene and routine exams, please call our office at 614-885-1215. A member of our team would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule a consultation!