Proper preventive care can save you thousands of dollars and lots of time. Even more, it can help ensure that significant problems don’t have the chance to crop up or grow worse.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit a professional dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam, more frequently if you have ongoing or previous dental or health issues.
Dr. Thiel and his team encourage all our patients to be proactive with their dental health. Preventive cleaning and exam appointments are typically covered through most insurance policies. Our team will be happy to review your coverage with you.
With continued and careful monitoring of your oral health, your risk of disease declines.
Regular dental hygiene exams and cleanings help you avoid problems such as:
– Cavities (dental caries)
– Gingivitis (gum disease)
– Periodontitis (inflammation of the gums)
– Halitosis (bad breath).
During your cleaning and exam visit, your experienced hygienist will review your chart and discuss your medical history, making any updates that are needed.
During the cleaning and examination, we’ll look for any sign of decay, most commonly in the form of cavities or gum disease. Your face and neck can also be indicators of oral disease, so the examination typically includes a review of these areas, as well.
After the exam, if further treatment is needed, Dr. Thiel and his staff will discuss their recommended course of action and timing. Be sure to ask questions to ensure you know the plan going forward and general costs/insurance coverage.
Here’s what to expect during your exam and cleaning:
• Periodontal exam to look for signs of redness, inflammation, or anything that may indicate disease or need for extraction or specialized treatment.
• Restoration exam to ensure no adjustments or replacement are needed.
• Intra-oral tour of your mouth, including photos, using the latest imaging technology.
• Digital x-rays if needed.
• An orthodontic evaluation may be done to see if your bite or bone structure can benefit from further correction.
• An oral cancer screening, which takes only about two minutes. Abnormalities in your cells are extremely difficult to detect. Sometimes there is no pain or any other symptoms. Only a trained eye can spot red flags, and early detection of oral cancer is critical.
• Your appointment will also include a thorough dental cleaning:
• We’ll remove plaque, stains, and tartar buildup and apply a professional-strength tooth whitener or fluoride if desired or needed.
• Because lifestyle factors greatly influence your oral health, we will review things such as diet and smoking as well as proper at-home care.
Don’t fall behind on preventive care. Schedule your cleaning and exam today!