Quality Dental Care is Built on a Foundation of Consistent Dental Cleanings and Oral exams
When bi-annual dental check-ups are around the corner, most people are likely to put these appointments on the back burner to make room for other plans. You may get away with missing one or two dental appointments, but not for long. Failing to see your dentist every six months opens the door to several oral issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. And this hurts your pocket, too, since you increase the likelihood of invasive and costly treatments down the road.
Is your bi-annual dental visit due in Austin, Texas? Don’t even think about canceling it. Instead, please book an appointment with Aqua Dental for personalized dental exams and cleaning.
What to expect during a dental exam?
When you visit our dental office for a check-up and cleaning, our dental team starts your appointment with an oral examination. If it’s been a while since you last saw a dentist, we will take digital x-rays of your mouth to spot issues lurking underneath your gums.
The objective of an oral exam is to screen your mouth to detect issues, such as:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Bite misalignment
- Oral cancer
- Failing dental work
Should we find any problems with your smile, Dr. Chitra Pradeep will recommend an appropriate treatment plan before embarking on professional dental cleaning.
Professional teeth cleaning for a healthy and confident smile
Even if you practice optimal oral hygiene at home, you need the help of a dentist to complete your dental care regimen. Like oral exams, you should visit a dentist every six months for professional cleaning. During a dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis or simply a “prophy,” our hygienist removes plaque and tartar build-up along your gum line and on your tooth’s surface.
Using special tools — a scaler, a small mirror, and a polisher — we can reach every nook and cranny of your mouth inaccessible by at-home oral care products. Once we scale away every bit of plaque and tartar in your mouth, we floss and polish your teeth for a stunning, healthy smile.
Until your next appointment, we expect you to maintain optimal oral care at home to keep your dental health in tip-top condition.
Exams and Teeth Cleanings FAQs
How often should I schedule dental exams and teeth cleanings?
Most dental professionals recommend scheduling a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning every six months. Regular visits help maintain oral health, detect early signs of dental issues, and prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits, especially if you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns.
What happens during a dental exam?
During a dental exam, your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, disease, or other issues. They may also review your dental history, take X-rays if necessary, and assess your overall oral health to create a personalized care plan. This thorough evaluation helps catch problems early, saving you from more extensive and costly treatments later.
Why are professional teeth cleanings necessary if I brush and floss regularly?
Even with excellent home care, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings use specialized tools to remove this buildup, preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath that brushing and flossing alone might not fully address. Additionally, cleanings polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile looking brighter and healthier. Cleanings also help reduce inflammation, which contributes to overall gum health.
Are dental X-rays part of routine exams and cleanings?
Dental X-rays are often part of routine exams but are taken based on individual needs. They help dentists identify issues beneath the surface, such as impacted teeth, bone loss, or cavities between teeth. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure and provide clearer images. Depending on your dental health and risk factors, your dentist will decide the frequency of X-rays.
How long does a typical dental cleaning take?
A standard dental cleaning usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s oral health and the amount of plaque or tartar buildup. During this time, your hygienist will clean, polish, and sometimes fluoride-treat your teeth. They will also check for any early signs of gum disease or other concerns.
Can I get a dental exam and cleaning if I have dental implants or crowns?
Yes, regular exams and cleanings are essential for patients with dental implants, crowns, or other restorations. These visits help monitor the condition of your restorations and ensure the surrounding gums and bone remain healthy. Special care techniques may be used to avoid damaging the implants or crowns during cleaning.
What should I expect after a dental cleaning?
After a cleaning, your teeth may feel smoother and look brighter. If there was inflammation, some patients might experience slight gum sensitivity or minor bleeding. This usually resolves quickly with proper oral hygiene. Your dentist or hygienist may provide personalized tips for maintaining your oral health between visits. Maintaining regular dental appointments is key to long-term oral health and a confident smile. Routine exams and cleanings also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions about your oral health.
Dental check-ups and cleanings near me
Want to take control of your oral health? Please dial (512) 643-6571 to book an appointment with Aqua Dental for dental exams and cleaning. We are centrally located in Austin, TX, but serve numerous patients in the surrounding areas, including students from the University of Texas (UT).