Understanding the Role of Dental Exams & Cleanings
Dental exams and cleaning are among the standard routine dental practices in dentistry. They are employed in general dentistry as a way to protect, preserve and sustain excellent dental health for patients. Whether it is your first time visiting a dental clinic or not, you are qualified for both dental exams and dental cleanings.
What Are Dental Exams?
They involve tests that a dentist near you performs to examine and analyze the state of your oral cavity. Dental exams are the only way through which a dentist can gather substantial and actionable information about your oral cavity. Technically, dental exams are standard practice in dentistry. As such, it is necessary to have a dental exam before any oral procedure or dental work is done, for every dental visit.
The intensity and thoroughness of dental exams differ, depending on the patient. If it is your first time visiting a dentist, then you need a thorough dental check before any treatment. Aside from that, you need to be in touch with your dentist to detect any dental anomalies early. In medicine, identifying a health problem early is paramount for finding a cure and permanent treatment. The same applies to dentistry. Dental exams allow your dentist to identify any dental issues you may have or the possibilities thereof. Besides, some dental illnesses and conditions demand in-depth examinations and tests before the proper diagnosis can be made. Dental exams, therefore, can be categorized into two main facets:
- Physical Exams – the dentist will examine your mouth physically. Touch may be involved during this examination step.
- Digital Exams – they employ different tools and techniques to evaluate your mouth even further. Usually, x-rays and ultrasounds are used for digital tests.
What Are Dental Cleanings?
They are dental procedures that involve brushing and flossing teeth in dental clinics. The efforts to clean your mouth professionally are much different from how you do it at home. For one, a dental hygienist or teeth cleaning dentist will use special cleaning products that are more effective in removing stains and bacteria from your mouth. Professional cleanings for your mouth are routine procedures, often performed about three or six months apart. As such, one professional dental cleaning is not enough to last you a lifetime.
Dental cleaning involves tooth brushing done by a dental expert using an electric-powered toothbrush. Afterward, dental flossing is done to get rid of plaque and loose debris between your teeth. The other step involves rinsing your mouth to remove any remnant bacteria and food debris from your mouth. The final step entails a fluoride treatment, which enriches the enamel of your teeth with fluoride. It is a natural element that helps strengthen teeth as well as fight against bacteria causing dental cavities.
When Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Necessary?
Dental exams are necessary and rather paramount for every dental visit. They allow your dentist to monitor the health of your mouth over time. However, the exams are also necessary for diagnostic purposes. When trying to understand what your dental problem could be, your dentist will employ different dental exams. Further, dental exams are essential for building up your oral medical record. This way, should you move to a different location and find a different dental clinic, you have all the necessary information about your oral health in your medical records.
On the other hand, dental cleanings are there to boost your oral health. They help ensure that your mouth does not harbor harmful bacteria that can deteriorate sift tissues and harm your teeth. Other than that, cleanings are an important strategy for fighting against dental cavities and gum disease. With a clean mouth, you significantly reduce the risk of dental infections in your mouth.
Should You Consider Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams?
Visiting your dentist every couple of months is the best strategy to employ if you want to excel in oral health. While there may not be any particular dental issue you have that needs treatment, preventive care is dental care too. With routine exams and cleanings, you can rest assured that your mouth is healthy and in good standing at all times. We also serve nearby areas like Loop 494 Animal Hospital, Northpark Drive, Timberlane Acres, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Original Santas LLC, Barrington Kingwood, & Kings Manor Mud. Set up an appointment with our dental clinic for dental treatment.