ROUTINE CLEANINGS

Keeping your teeth bright and strong is one of the most important decisions you can make in order to stay healthy. You might not immediately think of your teeth when considering how best to live a healthy life, but the fact of the matter is that you need your teeth for all manner of activities. Even things like eating a proper diet and the ability to communicate with loved ones can have a big impact on your health. In order to keep your teeth strong, you should visit us often for routine cleanings and exams!

What is a dental cleaning?

The thing about our teeth is that they are so often and so easily dirty-our teeth are inherently subjected to things like bacteria and food debris, even after we brush our teeth. That means that they can be particularly difficult to clean, especially when using a toothbrush and floss alone. Eventually, despite our best efforts, plaque will build up on the surfaces of our teeth and we will wind up with tartar formation. That is why it is so important to visit us regularly-we can clean your teeth professionally, removing leftover plaque and tartar that you can’t get rid of on your own.

Dental cleanings are appointments where we take the time to carefully clean your mouth and ensure that your teeth are clean. We remove things like plaque that has built up over time, and make sure there is nothing caught between your teeth. You can even have sealants applied during a routine cleaning, which can help you avoid tooth decay in the future.

How often should you visit us?

You should visit us at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned. That’s once every six months or so, which doesn’t seem like too much of a time commitment, right? It’s also worth noting that many insurance plans cover these two yearly cleanings, but few individuals actually take advantage of them.

If you notice anything strange going on in your mouth, you should visit us sooner. If we recommend that you come in more often – if you are dealing with something like gum disease or the early stages of gingivitis, for example – then you should follow our instructions in order to ensure that you stay as healthy as possible.

Are teeth cleanings really necessary?

The short (and long) answer to this is “yes”! Teeth cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health. Do not avoid them or push them off!

Examinations

Regular examinations help detect and prevent health issues before they become serious. Consistent dental check-ups help catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. Left unattended, small treatable problems become worse and may require more extensive, expensive procedures to repair. Dental examinations generally include the following:

• Gum disease screening
• Oral cancer screening
• Visual tooth decay evaluation
• Gum pocket measurement and tracking
• X-ray examination to detect: tooth decay, cysts, tumors, problems below the gums, and other hidden issues

Regular examinations by Dr. Clay Keith or Dr. Paul Denson are very important for your health. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” –Benjamin Franklin

X-rays (Radiographs)

Dental X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Your dentist can detect issues with X-rays before they become problems, saving you money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect internal tooth decay, cysts (fluid-filled sacs at the base of your teeth), tumors, impacted teeth, and teeth that are still erupting.

Digital X-rays

Safe for patients • Immediate feedback • Ability for dentist to zoom in on problem area • Provides easy communication with specialists and dental labs

X-rays are an important part of your oral health plan. Traditionally, X-rays have been taken with a machine that required the use of radiation, and a significant amount of time to develop X-rays. Over the years, there have been advancements in dental technology, including digital X-rays. we make use of digital X-rays to provide you with the best possible oral care.

3D X-rays

No more inaccurate stone models • All models at CIGD are 3D printed • 3D prints are faster, more efficient, and more accurate • Provide faster turnaround time for dental work

At The Center for Implant & General Dentistry, we utilize 3D imaging to better understand the anatomy of your mouth, which is essential before we perform any type of corrective procedure. Our system uses cone beam technology to provide crystal-clear and precise digital images.

For more information about teeth cleanings and to schedule a visit, give us a call today at (903) 622-9401.