Dental Exam & Cleaning
Healthy teeth are priceless, while tooth decay and infections can be costly and embarrassing. Keep your smile bright and your breath fresh with regular dental exams and cleanings at Goodday Dental Care.
Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
Plaque and calculus can accumulate around your teeth and under your gums, leading to various dental problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, bone loss, and bad breath. Routine cleanings and checkup can help you maintain exceptional oral health. Learn more about what to expect during your dental exams and cleanings at Goodday Dental Care.
What Happens During a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
A dental exam and cleaning involve thoroughly examining your teeth with x-ray and cleansing your teeth and gumline of plaque and calculus. This treatment, recommended biannually, helps prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, bone loss, and bad breath, ensuring optimal dental health.
Who Should Get Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Everyone should schedule regular dental exams and cleanings. For most people, biannual appointments are ideal for maintaining good dental hygiene. If you experience symptoms like bad breath, plaque buildup, gingivitis, discomfort, or tooth decay, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Step-by-Step Dental Exam and Cleaning Process
At Goodday Dental Care in Orange, your visit begins with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to develop a customized treatment plan for your unique oral health needs. This includes low-radiation digital X-rays to detect decay and an oral cancer screening. We use both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Our team will also provide guidance on home care to ensure your future cleanings are straightforward and effective.
Aftercare and What to Expect Post-Cleaning
After your dental exam and cleaning, you may experience mild side effects such as bleeding, swelling, redness, and discomfort. These are typically due to flossing and cleaning hard-to-reach areas and are usually very mild, allowing you to continue your day as usual. To maintain your dental hygiene, follow your dentist’s recommendations on brushing and flossing twice daily.
Common Questions About Dental Exams and Cleanings
What should I anticipate during a dental cleaning visit?
Expect a comfortable, one-hour session where a dental professional examines your teeth after x-ray, flosses, removes plaque and tartar, and polishes your enamel with a special dental-grade paste.
How frequently should dental cleanings be scheduled?
Dental cleanings are typically recommended every six months. However, some patients may need more frequent visits based on their individual oral health needs, such as periodontal condition.
How do dental exams differ from cleanings?
During a cleaning, dental professionals focus on removing plaque and tartar buildup. An exam, however, involves a comprehensive check of your oral health, including identifying issues like cavities, gum disease, and potential oral cancers.
What are the best practices for maintaining clean teeth?
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing are crucial. These practices help prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to serious dental issues.
Is the dental cleaning process painful?
Generally, dental cleanings are pain-free. Some patients might experience minor discomfort or sensitivity, particularly if there was a significant buildup of plaque.
What are the advantages of regular dental cleanings?
Routine cleanings help prevent cavities, reduce tooth loss, remove plaque, improve breath freshness, and mitigate long-term dental costs by addressing problems early.
What could happen if I neglect regular dental cleanings?
Ignoring routine cleanings can result in plaque hardening into tartar, which requires professional removal. This can lead to more severe problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Schedule Your Appointment
If it’s time for your dental exam and cleaning, contact GoodDay Dental Care today to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Orange, CA office by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (657) 282-0078.