Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings – Carrollton, TX
Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
While brushing and flossing are absolutely essential to your long-term dental health, the fact of the matter is that your tools at home simply can’t clean every single surface in your mouth. Those hard-to-reach areas can accumulate plaque over time, resulting in tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. That’s why we recommend that everyone age three and up should have at least two professional dental checkups and teeth cleanings each year – it’s crucial in both preventing and catching dental issues in the early stages!
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
When you arrive in our office, prepare to be greeted with a warm welcome. Our staff understands that going to the dentist can be an uncomfortable or even frightening experience, which is why we want you to feel at home the moment you walk in the door.
Once seated in the chair, Dr. Chandy will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Not only will she be looking for signs of tooth decay or gum disease, but she will also be screening for oral cancer. Because this disease is so serious, it’s important that we detect it in its early stages should Dr. Chandy find any causes for concern.
Also, she will be checking any dental restorations you might have, including fillings, veneers, dental implants, or crowns, as well as the alignment of your bite.
One way our dentists and hygienists can get an overall view of your entire mouth is for you to have digital X-rays. In comparison to the traditional method, this newer, more advanced x-ray machine emits 90% less radiation and offers our team a clearer look at what is happening below the gum line.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
No one wants to leave the dentist’s office with lackluster teeth, which is why after receiving your dental checkup, one of our skilled dental hygienists will give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning. You can expect our hygienists to conduct what is called “charting,” to retrieve valuable information about your oral health that will serve as a baseline moving forward.
They’ll check the depth of your gums to determine if any pockets are forming, which could lead to gum disease, as well as look at each individual tooth to see if there are any signs of decay. Once finished with their notes, they’ll begin the cleaning process.
Using specialized tools, one of our hygienists will remove any plaque buildup that brushing and flossing often miss. Found above and below the gum line, they will scrape away any remnants to eliminate any chances of gum disease. Once that step is complete, they will polish your teeth, giving them that beautiful shine, before flossing between each of your teeth.
At the end of your visit, our hygienists, as well as Dr. Chandy, will most likely offer some tips on how to improve your oral health. Should you have any questions or concerns at this time, don’t be afraid to ask!