Exams and Cleanings: The Importance of Prevention
Understanding your smile is the key to a dental professional having the means to treat it and regular maintenance is key to preventing the need for more treatment. Our Lake Oswego holistic dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden, believes in promoting overall health and wellness through dental care. A key aspect of this is routine dental exams and cleanings, which form the cornerstone of modern dentistry and help maintain a patient’s smile.
What are Dental Cleanings and Exams?
Dental cleaning and exams are part of your routine appointment to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. During the appointment, a hygienist will clean your teeth. Then, Dr. Bowden check for any signs of decay or damage, and recommend any necessary treatments to keep your smile healthy. Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health and preventing future dental problems.
The Benefits of Exams and Cleanings
Routine dental checkups come with a host of benefits, including the following:
Preventing tooth decay and gum disease
Detecting oral health issues early on
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile
Reducing the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future
Promoting overall health and wellness
What Happens During a Routine Dental Exam and Cleaning?
A dental exam and cleaning at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego is a comprehensive process that takes approximately one hour. During a dental exam, you can expect a thorough review of your medical and dental history to identify any potential risk factors. Dr. Bowden will then conduct an oral cancer screening, checking for any signs of abnormalities or irregularities in your mouth.
Next, Dr. Bowden will assess the health of your gums, looking for any signs of inflammation, bleeding, or periodontal disease. He will also examine your teeth for any decay, damage, or misalignment.
Dr. Bowden will evaluate your bite and jaw joint function to ensure that everything is functioning properly. This can help to prevent issues such as teeth grinding or TMJ disorders. Throughout the exam, Dr. Bowden will discuss any concerns or symptoms that you may be experiencing, offering guidance and recommendations for treatment as needed.
After the exam, your hygienist will perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, polish them to remove surface stains, and floss between your teeth to remove any debris. We’ll provide recommendations for oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing techniques, and suggest the use of additional dental products if needed.