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FAQ
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How often should I have a dental exam and
cleaning?
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You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a
year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more
frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in
preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your
teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and
checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things
that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and
maintain your dental health. These include: |
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Medical history review:
Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new
medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall
health and also your dental health. |

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Examination of diagnostic
x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors,
cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root
positions. |
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Oral cancer screening: Check
the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any
signs of oral cancer. |
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Gum disease evaluation: Check
the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal
disease. |
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Examination of
tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with
special dental instruments. |
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Examination of
existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc. |
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Removal of
calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been
left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the
tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and
can only be removed with special dental instruments. |
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Removal of
plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on
the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food
debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that
inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal
disease! |
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Teeth
polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise
removed during toothbrushing and scaling. |
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Oral hygiene
recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as
needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids,
fluorides, rinses, etc.). |
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Review dietary
habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your
dental health. |
As you can
see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more
than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are
committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to
do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings. |
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