Dental Cleaning & Examinations
Even if you brush twice daily, floss, and use mouthwash, you could still be at risk for dental decay and gum disease. We recommend that all kids, teens, and parents see their dentist twice per year! A quick checkup can mean the difference between reversible tooth decay and cavities/root canal.
A professional cleaning can remove tartar and plaque that you can’t remove with a toothbrush alone, and a dental exam can ensure that any dental issues are treated before they become bigger problems.
What's Included At A Regular Dental Appointment?
During your dental cleaning our team of hygienists will professional clean your teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, and scaling. We have special tools that allow us to scrape off plaque and tartar that have become bound to the surface of the tooth. Additionally, we may use a fluoride treatment to improve the strength and health of your teeth.
During a dental exam your dentist is going to check your teeth for any signs of dental decay. Part of the reason we recommend visiting a dentist twice per year is so that our dentists can find any issues early and address them quickly. Early tooth decay can often be reversed, but if it persists you will likely need a filling, root canal, or even a tooth extraction.
There are a few other dental services that might be recommended to you or your child during your regular dental visit they include:
- Dental Sealants: A dental sealant is a protective coating that is placed on the chewing surface of the back molars. Your back molars are at a higher risk for cavities because foot can get stuck in the natural indents. Adding sealants can protect your teeth from cavities.
- Dental X-Rays: Once a year, or every other visit, you will want to get dental X-rays completed during your dental treatment. X-rays can show us issues that might be happening below the gums including cavities, gum disease, and more. Additionally X-rays are often recommended for teens around the time their wisdom teeth start to move.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment At One Of Our Chicago Offices:
List of Dental Procedures:
Dental Cleaning & Exam FAQ:
Almost every dentist in America recommends twice a year. In fact most dental insurances are designed around six month visits. By seeing your dentist twice a year, plaque and tartar do not have a chance to build up long-term and any signs of decay or gum disease can be handled earlier rather than later.
X-rays are a very safe procedure. In fact, dental x-rays use a much loser dosage of radiation than medical x-rays do. Not only are the safe, but they provide invaluable information. A dental X-ray can show us things we can’t see during a normal exam, especially when it comes to the roots of your teeth. That said, we do provide lead-lined bibs to provide extra protection when performing x-rays.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been used in many dental products. In fact, many municipalities put trace amounts of fluoride in the water to improve the overall health of the community. Fluoride as a mineral can encourage stronger bones and teeth. Aside from the water supply, a dentist might recommend fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride treatment during your regular check-up to improve dental health.
Cavities are very common. The best way to prevent them is with regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits. One mistake some adults make is not going to the dentist until they notice an issue. Our teeth are very resilient to pain, and by the time you start to feel sensitivity or other symptoms of decay, the decay has likely been there for a while. A regular dental check-up is the best way you can prevent cavities from forming by both cleaning the teeth and also noting any warning signs.
Dental Insurances We Take At Our Chicago Offices:
