Dental Cleanings & Exams

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore and maintain your oral health. Prevention includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your visit with the dentist and hygienist will include several things. We will examine your x-rays, which is important for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. We will perform an oral cancer screening, which includes examination of the muscles and lymph nodes of the head and neck for any signs of swelling or tenderness. A visual inspection of the face, neck, lips tongue, throat, tissues and gums is performed for any signs of oral cancer. Gum disease evaluation includes checking the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease. We also do an examination of tooth decay and existing restorations. Additionally, all tooth surfaces will be checked for decay and existing fillings will be checked for signs of failure.