Lovell Family Dentistry

Dental Exams & Cleanings

While you may brush and floss at home, visiting your dentist for regular comprehensive dental exams and teeth cleanings is essential to keep your smile looking its best.

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Your Dental Exam

The health of your mouth and teeth is important to the health of your whole body. The American Dental Association recommends that your dentist examines you teeth every six months to ensure that you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Visiting your dentist for exams and cleanings every 6 months can:

Prevent tooth decay

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential in preventing tooth decay. Our comprehensive dental exams allow us to identify early signs of decay and provide targeted treatment to preserve your natural teeth.

Prevent gum disease

Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth loss and bone deterioration. Our preventive dental care focuses on thorough examinations of gum health, including periodontal assessments and deep cleanings to remove bacteria and plaque buildup below the gum line.

Prevent bad breath

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of underlying dental issues, such as gum disease or poor oral hygiene. Our preventive dental services include personalized recommendations for improving oral hygiene practices and addressing potential causes of bad breath.

Avoid costly repairs

Procrastination in seeking dental care can result in the need for extensive and costly treatments later on. Our preventive approach emphasizes early intervention and proactive dental maintenance to prevent minor issues from escalating into major dental problems.

Reduce staining

The consumption of certain foods and beverages can contribute to surface stains on teeth, diminishing their aesthetic appearance. Our preventive dental services include professional cleanings and personalized recommendations for minimizing staining effects.

Retain your smile

A confident smile is a valuable asset that enhances your overall well-being and self-assurance. Our preventive dental care aims to safeguard the health and longevity of your smile through proactive measures and patient education.

What's a Dental Exam?

During a dental exam, your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth for signs of tooth decay, and gums for signs of gum disease. Your dentist can also sometimes detect signs of other health issues.

The dentist may also take X-rays of your teeth and gums. These x-ray images help your dentist identify dental issues beneath the surface.

CLEANING YOUR TEETH

Your dental hygienist begins your cleaning by checking the surface of your teeth visually to determine the quality of any fillings and if you have any cavities forming.

The dental hygienist then performs an exam to ensure your gums adhere to your teeth, and that no periodontal disease or bone loss is occurring. Next, the hygienist carefully cleans your teeth using a variety of tools, to remove any tartar buildup from your teeth. Then your hygienist flosses your teeth, and polishes and applies fluoride.

Cleanings aren't usually painful, but if you are anxious about your dental exam, please be sure to make the hygienist aware. There are also sedation options to calm anxious patients. Once your exam and cleaning has been completed, if your teeth and gums appear healthy, your dentist will recommend that you continue to brush and floss as usual.

However, if either your hygienist or dentist has discovered signs of gum disease or tooth decay, they will discuss changes to your brushing or flossing habits. If decay or disease is more severe, they may recommend other dental treatments, procedures or antibiotics.