Dental Exams and Hygiene/Check-Ups

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam as a new Patient?

Your first dental visit will consist of an exam that will help us get to know you and your current health status, and your health goals. After we assess and discuss our findings with you, we will tailor our treatment plan. Our goal is that together we will make a treatment plan that will help you feel great and want to smile! In many cases, our treatment can begin that same visit, while more complex treatment plans will need to be addressed in phases, and sometimes with us orchestrating a team approach with other dental or medical specialists.

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect any changes to your health early so they can be fixed quickly and easily. 

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be treated, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Hygiene visit?

At a typical dental exam, our team will gather data to assess your current health, and  thoroughly clean your teeth.  Your Hygienist will remove any surface stains or deposits, and deeper tartar or calculus under the gumline that may be present.  We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. Digital X-rays may be taken to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health, and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam, based on recommendations found for you.