Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The primary purpose of having high technology is to use it to the benefit of the health and comfort of each patient.

From diagnosing problems early to restoring teeth with high precision, the benefit is observable to our patients.

Our goal for each person is to bring you back to a state where all you need from us is routine maintenance via hygiene visits.

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.

The Exam

During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Our new patients routinely remark that they have never had such a detailed evaluation. We spend time listening to a patient’s prior history. We may be looking at X-rays, scans, and/or intraoral findings, but in each system we review we help the patient make connections to their overall health. It is not uncommon for us to interact with the patient’s medical team to learn more or to offer recommendations.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth and gum tissue.

The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to search for any periodontal disease or bone loss.

The hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of instruments and remove any buildup from your teeth. Then, your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.

Hygiene visits should not evoke stress, but we do find some patients have had sensitivity or pain in the past. We make many efforts to learn your mouth. We have many options available to keep someone pain-free and give them a pleasant visit.

Our hygiene team is second to none and we work with each individual patient to tailor a plan of home care and a proper follow up plan. Each patient is different, so each mouth may require slightly different interventions. Our goal is for you to leave empowered to succeed. We do not just scold people into flossing more, as is many people's experience. Instead, we work to find a feasible plan for home hygiene.

Maybe someone may use an electric toothbrush, an airfloss, or even smaller angled brushes…. there are many options and many ways to apply technology to our benefit.

If you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. You will be glad we spent some time listening, learning, and working forward to find solutions.