If you haven’t visited your dentist within the past year, now is the time to stop by Drs of Smiles. Regular dental exams and cleanings play an irreplaceable role in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Routine exams go hand in hand with thorough at home dental care. Here is what may occur at your regular dental exam and cleaning.
The cleaning
Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by scraping tartar from your teeth using a special dental instrument. Next, your hygienist will floss your teeth, polish your teeth, and then apply fluoride.
X-rays
After your teeth cleaning, your dentist will likely want to take X-rays if you haven’t had them recently. Before Drs of Smiles takes the X-rays, you will put on a heavy apron to protect your body from X-rays. Anyone else in the room will either step behind an area of the room that will shield their body or wear a protective apron themselves. Next, your dentist (or the technician) will insert a small piece of plastic for you to bite down on. These inserts will align your teeth with the X-ray machine. Several X-rays will be taken of your mouth using this process.
The dentist
After your cleaning and X-rays are complete, the dentist will meet with you to inspect your dental wellness. If required, your dentist will apply a sealant to the tops of your back molars. This will assist in preventing cavities by stopping bacteria and food particles from getting lodged in the grooves of our teeth. They will also shield your teeth from plaque. Your dentist may also apply several fluoride applications directly to your teeth.
Antibiotics
If you are susceptible to infections, you may be required to take antibiotics before you have certain types of dental work completed. If you have questions, speak with your dentist or doctor. You may need to take antibiotics if you have heart problems or an impaired immune system.
Schedule your dental exam
If you have not had a dental exam within the past year, call Drs of Smiles today. You can reach our office by calling 480.834.6991, located in Mesa, Arizona.