When was the last time you visited the
dentist for a checkup and cleaning? We recommend one every six months, and hope to see you soon for treatment. In today’s blog, your Columbia, TN, dentist talks about how we safeguard smiles with a simple checkup and dental cleaning visit!
The Dental Exam
A dental exam is a checkup visit we recommend every six months. The serious issues that threaten your smile take months to form, such as a cavity or infection, or gingivitis and gum disease, so a visit every few months is a chance to catch these in the early stages, often before you experience discomfort. We then offer treatment to address them. The visit is also beneficial for kids, so we can ensure they maintain good oral health and help instill good oral health habits, helping them better understand their smiles and the importance of caring for teeth and gums.
Keeping Teeth Clean
In the same visit, our team will conduct a dental cleaning. This procedure enables us to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Doing so helps brighten teeth and freshen breath, while also limiting the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The process only takes a few minutes. We complete it by polishing the teeth to help limit how much plaque and tartar can adhere to the teeth in between these six-month visits.
Deep Cleanings
If you have warning signs of gum disease, then we may need a perio cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing, to remove buildup from both the teeth and the roots. Since this is a more involved procedure, we will numb the smile beforehand and use the same tools as your cleaning to remove the buildup and pockets of bacteria. This could take one visit, or as many as four, depending on the severity of your buildup. We will again polish the teeth afterward.
Oral Cancer Screening
Our team will screen for oral cancer as part of your checkup, using advanced imaging technology to look for signs of possible cancerous or precancerous tissues. We can then take a biopsy if needed or refer you to a specialist. Oral cancer has a high mortality rate because it is rarely found in the early stages, but a checkup every few months increases the chances of an early diagnosis and a full recovery. If you have any questions, contact our team today.
Learn More About General Dentistry With Creekside Family Dentistry!
Our preventive dental care can offer care to manage your oral health. Give us a call today at Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN at (931) 388-3384 to schedule your appointment!