What to Expect from Your Dental Cleaning and Exam

Last updated 11 months ago

Millions of people avoid going to the dentist because they fear experiencing pain during treatment and having attention called to their poor dental hygiene habits. In reality, you’re likely to feel less pain, spend less, and receive more positive feedback when you visit the dentist regularly.

Find out what you can expect from a dental exam by reading below, and get to your dentist right away!

Evaluating your Overall Dental Health

First, your dentist will examine the status of your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue to evaluate whether you need further tooth restoration treatments such as fillings, crowns, or root canal surgery. During this time, your dentist will also determine your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Depending on your risk analysis, your dentist might ask you about your brushing and flossing techniques. The dentist will also visually examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Since medical and dental scientists are everyday finding connections between the health of the mouth and the overall body health, the dentist will review your dental and medical history to look for connections between the two. This is a concept called Complete Health Dentistry.

Removing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

You’ll have a better chance of staving off cavities and gum disease by visiting the dentist to have your teeth cleaned regularly. During a dental exam that includes cleaning; your dentist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. He or she will also floss your teeth and demonstrate proper cleaning techniques to use at home.

Taking X-Rays and Intraoral Photos

Your dentist will take dental X-rays during the last phase of your exam to look for small signs of tooth decay that are not readily visible. X-rays are also used to evaluate the condition of your oral bones and dental roots. Utilizing digital photographic technology, he or she may also take intraoral photos that capture images of the surface of your teeth so your dentist can monitor tooth erosion, decay, and other factors.

If it has been more than six months since your last dental exam, call Really Smile at (877) 619-4857. Our Indianapolis dentists can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life.