When was the last time you scheduled a visit to see your Charles City, IA, dentist for a checkup and cleaning? Often, we find patients may not quite realize how these routine visits help protect smiles from serious issues, including tooth decay and gum disease, and how they may offer the earliest possible diagnosis of oral cancer. Let’s look at why you should schedule your checkup and cleaning visit soon!
What Happens in a Checkup?
During your checkup, we employ advanced technology, including digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, to obtain a detailed picture of your oral health. We want to better understand the current state of your smile, and will look above and below the gum line in the process. We typically look for signs of developing cavities, infection, gingivitis, or gum disease. The earlier we identify the issues, the less extensive the treatment will need to be to address them. We also perform screenings for oral cancer, and look for the wear and friction on the teeth that could indicate bruxism and TMJ disorder. We will also discuss ways to better manage your oral health and care for your smile from home.
Cleanings and Deep Cleanings
During the visit, we will also clean your teeth. Using a manual tool or an ultrasonic scaler, we will remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. A bacterial byproduct, plaque actually weakens tooth enamel and increases the risk of tooth decay. The buildup also inflames gum tissue, making the onset of gingivitis and gum disease more likely too. The procedure helps strengthen your oral health, while also offering a brighter smile and fresher breath. We complete the treatment by thoroughly polishing your teeth.
We also have a deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. We provide this option for those with severe plaque buildup and the presence of gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. The process removes plaque from both the teeth and the roots, reversing gingivitis, managing gum disease, and preventing periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease connected with adult tooth loss. The procedure may take one to two visits to complete, depending on the extent of your plaque buildup. If you have any questions about our checkups and cleanings, or regarding our scaling and root planing, then please contact our team today.
Central Park Dentistry Offers Preventive Dental Care
At Central Park Dentistry, we employ preventive care to help people enjoy optimal oral health for many years to come. To learn more about preventive dental care or to set up your next visit, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Hansen by calling our dental office in Charles City, IA at (641) 228-1115. We proudly welcome patients from Osage, New Hampton, Greene, and all surrounding communities.
