What Is Dental Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning, or professional teeth cleaning, involves the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A dental hygienist uses special metal tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from teeth. Scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, may be necessary if gum disease is present. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria, which feed on the sugar in your mouth and produce enamel-damaging acids.

During your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth.

What Is A Dental Exam?

A dental exam is a series of comprehensive tests that your dentist uses to evaluate your dental health. A dental exam includes a thorough inspection of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity to check for areas of dental issues. A dental exam typically includes the following:

• Medical history review

Your dentist will ask a number of questions about your medical history. This helps them understand your overall health and any conditions that may impact your dental health. They are looking for conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, or pregnancy that can impact your dental health. They will also ask about any current medications you are taking.

• Oral exam

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. An oral cancer screening might also be included.

• X-Rays

A routine dental exam also involves taking X-rays of your teeth and gums. X-rays provide valuable information about your teeth, gums, and jaw. X-rays can reveal cavities, abscesses, impacted teeth, and jawbone fractures. X-rays can also reveal bone loss in your jaw, which can occur as a result of periodontal (gum) disease.

• Fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment is another important part of preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in the earth and in water. Fluoride treatments are applied topically to the teeth to help prevent tooth decay.

• Oral cancer Screenings

This cancer has a high mortality rate. Routine screenings help catch it early, which improves the survival rate.

• Other considerations

During a routine dental exam, your dentist will also check for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. While gum disease and tooth decay are all relatively common, they can be easily treated if caught early on. Your dentist is trained to look for signs of these common oral health problems.

What Happens After A Dental Exam And Cleaning?

After your exam and cleaning, your dental team will sit down with you to explain your results. If you need a diagnosis of a problem, such as cavities, periodontal disease, or oral cancer, your hygienist or dentist will explain and provide a treatment plan.

At Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services, including cosmetic and implant dentistry in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.