Cleanings & Exams
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is essential to preventing cavities and gum disease from threatening your smile. However, you might not always successfully remove every trace of plaque from your teeth, and the spots left behind can quickly turn into tartar build up. Unlike plaque, tartar and the bacteria it contains can not be removed with toothpaste and water. The only way to eliminate it from your teeth is with your dental hygienist using gentle and experienced care along with the proper dental equipment.
Routine examinations are the cornerstone of your dental healthcare and involve a visual inspection by your dentist as well as the occasional use of advanced imaging technology. Cleanings and exams go hand-in-hand and should be performed at least once every six months, or more often if that is what your dentist recommends. The preventive treatments lead to improved oral health which is the foundation of a stunning smile.
When having your teeth cleaned it is a minor, non-invasive procedure and only takes up half your routine dental visit (the other half being compromised with your dental examination.) The hygienist will carefully clean every surface of your teeth using special equipment designed to quickly and comfortably remove the plaque and tartar effectively. This is essential in helping with the prevention of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental issues caused by the harmful bacteria that hide within the biofilms. We work with our patients by helping them develop good habits at home as well as educate them on what is best for them and specific to their oral care.
Once the plaque and tartar have worked their way underneath your gums you can start to experience gingivitis which is the first stage of gum disease. To reverse the condition or prevent it from spreading further into your tissue or bone we may recommend that you undergo periodontal therapy or scaling and root planning. This type of therapy involves gently cleaning the surfaces of your roots below the gum line with ultrasonic technology that provides faster removal and a more comfortable treatment. Periodontal therapy can more be more complex due to the precision needed to effectively clean every surface so it may require more than a single visit to complete. Here at Shelby Dental we strive to always fully educate our patients on procedures like this that may be needed so that every patient knows exactly what it consist of and why we are recommending it.
What You Can Expect
For patients all ages, dental examinations and dental cleanings should be scheduled no more than six months apart (with the exception of young children under the age of two.) We provide our dental exams at the same time of the cleaning. As part of your exam your dentist will ask you questions regarding your oral hygiene habits and will also ask your personal concerns if you have any. It is very important to obtain dental x-rays at your appointment when due so that the dentist receives a clear image of your teeth to be able to detect any abnormalities if present. An oral cancer screening is also performed at every exam.
Dr. Blaylock will collect the results of your examine and determine whether further treatment is needed as well as explaining to the patient why the treatment is being recommended.