Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, allow your dentist to find oral health issues and make a treatment plan.
During your exam, your dentist will look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays and other diagnostics.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will use the VELscope® oral cancer screening device to check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
To keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your appointment, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to help prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
