Exams & Cleanings
To maintain optimal oral health, regular and thorough dental exams are essential. The American Dental Association advises biannual visits to your dentist to detect issues early, including gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and the need to replace worn dental work like metal fillings and discolored crowns. Early detection saves time and money by preventing larger issues later.
What to expect during your dental exam and cleaning
1.Medical History Review
We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history. This helps us understand any underlying conditions or medications that might affect your oral health.
2. Visual Examination
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive visual inspection of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This includes checking for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
3. Digital X-Rays
Dental X-rays are taken to get a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone. These images help us detect issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
As part of our commitment to your overall health, we conduct an oral cancer screening to detect any abnormal tissues or lesions early on.
5. Bite and Jaw Assessment
We evaluate your bite and jaw alignment to identify any issues that could lead to discomfort or dental problems.
6. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using specialized tools, our hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, particularly around the gum line and between teeth. This process, called scaling, is essential for preventing gum disease.
7. Deep Cleaning
We provide deep cleaning services for patients who require more intensive care. This involves scaling and root planing to clean pockets of bacteria beneath the gum line, promoting healthy gums and preventing periodontal disease. Dental lasers can be used, if necessary, to sanitize and minimize pocketing.
8. Polishing
After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and make your teeth smooth and shiny. This step also helps prevent future plaque buildup.
9. Fluoride Treatment
We offer fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and protect against decay. Fluoride varnish is applied to your teeth, providing long-lasting protection.
10. Oral Hygiene Tips
Our hygienists will provide you with personalized advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing techniques and dietary recommendations.
Woburn Street Dental, PC
18 Woburn St. Medford, MA 02155
Monday—Friday 8am to 5pm
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