Dental Hygiene/Exams
In addition to caring for your teeth at home, visiting the dentist regularly for routine dental examinations and professional cleaning appointments is essential to your ongoing oral health and overall wellness. These appointments are designed to help maintain good oral health, prevent the development of dental health problems, and detect and diagnose any developing concerns as soon as they arise to ensure less-extensive and more successful treatment.
What To Expect During a Dental Hygiene and Exam Appointment
A routine dental hygiene appointment begins with a thorough cleaning of your teeth. One of our dental hygienists uses special tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. This helps keep your gums healthy by reducing bacterial growth and lowering the risk of developing periodontal disease.
The hygienist then polishes your teeth, using a special rotating brush and polishing paste. This removes the easy-to-reach surface stains and discoloration to create brighter, more evenly toned smile. The hygiene completes your cleaning by brushing and flossing your teeth while making note of any signs of potential concerns, such as bleeding gums, to ensure the dentist looks at these spots during your exam.
Finally, you are given the chance to rinse your mouth, and the hygienist talks with you briefly about your at-home oral hygiene routine to provide you with some tips for an even better dental visit next time.
What Does a Dental Exam Include?
Following your dental cleaning, Dr. Zalesky examines your teeth, gums, mouth, jaw, neck, and face. Our dentist looks for a variety of signs and symptoms to screen patients for oral health concerns and oral symptoms that could indicate systemic health problems such as diabetes.
Your dental examination includes:
- A visual examination of your oral cavity, face, jaw, and neck
- A periodontal (gum) examination
- An orthodontic evaluation
- An oral cancer screening
- Digital dental X-rays, CB-CT scan, or intraoral imaging, if necessary
At the end of your examination, Dr. Zalesky talks with you about any findings, concerns, or diagnoses before providing you with a variety of treatment options and a recommended treatment plan if needed.
When To Schedule Your Next Dental Exam and Cleaning
Healthy adults should visit the dentist at least once every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. Patients with ongoing oral health concerns, such as those diagnosed with periodontal disease or those undergoing orthodontic treatments, might need to visit the dentist more frequently for cleanings and exams.
Dr. Zalesky can talk with you about the best dental checkup schedule for maintaining your oral health.
Preventive Dentistry at Aurora Hills Dental
In addition to routine dental exams and dental hygiene appointments, we provide our patients with a comprehensive list of preventive and general dentistry services, including professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect the teeth from tooth decay.
To learn more about our preventive and general dentistry services or to schedule your next dental checkup with Dr. Zalesky, we welcome you to contact Aurora Hills Dental today.
