Oral health is equally important since it is interlinked with your overall physical well-being. Inculcating good oral habits, like regular brushing and flossing, is essential to maintain the vitality and integrity of your teeth and gums. But this may not be sufficient to keep dental problems at bay. Regular dental exams combined with professional cleanings are mandatory.
Dacula family dentistry offers comprehensive dental exams and state-of-the-art professional cleanings to prevent, detect, and manage oral problems.
What do dental examinations focus on?
According to the American Dental Association (AAD), regular dental check-ups once every 6 months are essential. These help to prevent oral diseases in an otherwise healthy person or aid in early detection and halting the disease progress.
Dental exams include the following assessments:
- Physical examination
- Your teeth are clinically checked for any pits, fissures, prominent cavities, sensitivity, or discoloration.
- Diagnostic X-rays
- These are excellent diagnostic tools that help in the early detection of tooth decay, tumors, cysts, lesions, and bone loss that are not visible through the naked eye.
- X-rays greatly help dentists to study the morphology of the teeth and the surrounding structures that help design an appropriate treatment plan.
- Gum disease assessment
- Your dentist will examine your gums to check for any redness, tenderness, bleeding, or the presence of gingival pockets. These mark the early signs of periodontal disease.
- Evaluation of old restorations
- Existing fillings, implants, and crowns will be assessed for the presence of any secondary caries or prosthesis dislodgement.
- Oral cancer exam
- The different parts of the oral cavity, like the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, jaws, and neck will be examined for early signs of oral cancer.
What is the importance of professional cleanings?
Dental prophylaxis (cleaning) is often performed by dental hygienists. This helps eliminate plaque and bacteria that are responsible for the development of periodontal disease. It is one of the most prevalent dental problems that can lead to tooth loss.
Professional cleanings include the following:
- Removal of plaque and calculus (tartar)
- Plaque is a soft film, and calculus is a form of hardened plaque that sticks to the tooth surfaces. These cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing. Ultrasonic instruments are used to remove them from interdental and subgingival areas.
- Teeth polishing
- Once the plaque and tartar are eliminated, your dentist will polish the teeth surfaces using gritty toothpaste and a rubber cup. This smoothens the surfaces, preventing plaque adhesion.
Remember…
Dental exams and cleanings are helpful even if you possess a healthy oral cavity. These aids can prevent diseases or detect them at an early stage, enabling timely management.
