Cleanings and Exams
Professional CleaningsProfessional cleanings performed by a certified dentist or hygienist are just as important to your dental health as daily brushing and flossing. Using specialized tools and training, your hygienist or dentist will:
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Remove plaque build-up from the surfaces of teeth. Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which collects on teeth and causes decay, gum disease and gingivitis.
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Remove tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar, or calculus, is plaque that has become so hardened on the teeth that its removal requires special procedures. Tartar below the gum line is also an indicator of gum disease.
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Remove surface stains from teeth through polishing. |
ExaminationsRegular examinations help detect and prevent health issues before they become serious. Consistent dental check-ups help catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. Left unattended, small treatable problems become worse and may require more extensive, expensive procedures to repair. Dental examinations generally include the following:
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Gum disease screening.
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Oral cancer screening.
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Visual tooth decay evaluation.
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Visual gum disease examination.
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Gum pocket measurement and tracking.
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X-ray examination to detect: tooth decay, cysts, tumors, problems below the gums and other hidden issues. |
Regular examinations are very important for your health. Remember, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." –Benjamin Franklin |