Dental Exam and Cleaning

What are dental exams and cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings keep your mouth healthy. They present an opportunity to check in on your teeth and gums and build a relationship with your dentist. 

It’s important to schedule routine dental exams and cleanings, even if your mouth seems healthy. Many potentially serious issues, including cavities and gum disease, develop slowly, so you might be at risk and not know it.

What do dental exams and cleanings involve?

At Fremaux Dental Care exams and cleanings take 60-90 minutes on average and include the following steps:

Step one - Oral exam

Your dentist examines each section of your mouth, looking for signs of cavities and gum disease. Then, they use gloved hands to check your tongue, lips, and inner cheeks for abnormal growths or abscesses.

Step two - X-rays

X-rays use digital sensors and high-tech cameras to capture photos of your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth). X-rays can identify issues invisible to the eye, like deep decay or damage to your tooth pulp.

Step three - Teeth cleaning

This portion takes the longest. Your dentist uses handheld tools to remove plaque –– a buildup of bacteria, food particles, and saliva –– from beneath your gums and the surfaces of your teeth. 

Step four - Teeth polishing

After removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth, your dentist polishes them. They use toothpaste with microscopic abrasives to eliminate any buildup the cleaning missed.

Step five - Flossing

Next, your provider flosses your teeth. Flossing removes any remaining plaque, tartar, or food particles from between your teeth and gums. 

Step six - Additional treatments (if necessary)

If your dentist notices that you’re at risk of cavities or gum disease, they may recommend additional treatments, like sealants or antibiotic therapy. Sealants are plastic coatings that protect your tooth enamel from harmful bacteria. Antibiotic therapy uses implantable beads or oral antibiotics to eliminate the infection in your mouth.

Fremaux Dental Care tailors dental exams and cleanings to each person’s needs.

What if something is wrong with my teeth?

If your Fremaux Dental Care provider notices anything unusual, they tell you right away. Depending on the issue, they may recommend special treatment or refer you to a specialist. For example, if your dentist finds a cavity, they may recommend getting a filling or a crown to preserve your tooth and prevent the decay from worsening.

Call Fremaux Dental Care today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning, or make your appointment online. 

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