Routine Exams and Cleanings in Colorado Springs, CO
Routine dental exams and cleanings are essential components of a strong oral hygiene regimen. These visits allow us to maintain your oral health by preventing, identifying, and addressing dental issues before they escalate. Since oral health is linked to general health and wellness, these visits are vital for comprehensive healthcare. They allow us to detect problems early, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, when they’re easier and less costly to treat.
We understand that life gets busy, and skipping your routine dental checkup might be tempting, especially if you’re not experiencing any symptoms. However, we urge patients to view these appointments as essential to their healthcare routine. Just like regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to your overall well-being, routine dental exams and cleanings are fundamental to maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
The Importance of Routine Exams and Cleanings
Some patients mistakenly believe that routine dental exams and cleanings aren’t necessary if they’re not feeling any pain or seeing visible issues. However, holding onto this belief can lead to significant oral health issues, as certain conditions may not exhibit clear symptoms until they have progressed considerably.
A visit to our offices every six months allows us to:
- Detect and treat problems early: Routine exams enable us to identify and address dental issues before they become serious, saving you from discomfort and complex treatments in the future.
- Prevent gum disease: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing might miss, preventing the onset of gum disease.
- Maintain overall health: Oral health is closely linked to general health. Regular dental care can help prevent conditions linked to poor oral health, such as heart disease and diabetes.
It’s essential to understand that many dental problems may not present immediate symptoms but can swiftly escalate into more severe conditions. If left unchecked, small problems can end up requiring more complex treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals, or even tooth removal.
What to Expect From Routine Exams and Cleanings
A routine exam and cleaning is a straightforward process. Each step serves a distinct purpose, working together to ensure your mouth remains healthy and vibrant.
Step 1: Your Exam
- Review of dental and medical history: Every exam begins with us updating your dental and medical history. This step is crucial for tailoring your dental care to any recent health changes or medications that could influence your oral health.
- Oral examination: We thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay and other oral health issues. This step may include checking for loose teeth, examining the tissues inside your mouth, and assessing your bite.
- Dental X-rays: Depending on the date of your last exam or other oral health needs, we may take X-rays to detect problems invisible to the naked eye. This includes issues below the gum line, between teeth, or under existing fillings.
- Oral cancer screening: An oral cancer screening is part of a comprehensive dental exam. We will examine your oral cavity for any signs of cancer.
Step 2: Your Cleaning
- Plaque and tartar removal: Our first step is to remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially targeting areas beneath the gum line and between teeth. This process, known as scaling, is fundamental in preventing gum disease and decay.
- Flossing: We thoroughly floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque, ensuring clean and healthy spaces between your teeth.
- Polishing: After scaling and flossing, we will polish your teeth using a high-powered brush and specially formulated gritty toothpaste. This step removes any surface stains and smooths the enamel, making it more difficult for plaque to adhere.
- Fluoride treatment: Lastly, we may apply a fluoride treatment. This strengthens the tooth enamel, offering added protection against cavities until your next visit.
Schedule Your Family’s Routine Exams and Cleanings Today
Remember, a quick visit to our office every six months can help you avoid a lifetime of dental issues. If it has been a while since your last dental exam or cleaning, or if you have concerns about your oral health, contact us today to schedule your visit. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs, we’re here to ensure your smile stays bright, healthy, and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
While they are typically performed at the same visit, dental exams and cleanings have different purposes. A dental exam includes a comprehensive assessment of your oral health. Dental cleanings are specifically aimed at removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, supporting excellent oral hygiene. While exams identify potential issues, cleanings play a role in preventive care by promoting a clean and healthy smile.
Dental cleaning methods cater to different oral health needs, ranging from routine maintenance to addressing more severe gum disease. Routine appointments, usually twice a year, focus on eradicating plaque and tartar. Deep cleanings target those with signs of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Dr. Bashi will customize treatments to address the unique needs of every patient.
To maintain proper oral hygiene, begin by flossing to clear plaque and food bits from between your teeth and under the gumline. Follow up with mouthwash to remove any leftover bacteria, freshen your breath, and prep your mouth for the last step. Rinsing before brushing ensures that your toothpaste’s important ingredients aren’t washed away.
Finally, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to clean every surface thoroughly. Flouride helps strengthen your enamel to prevent decay. This step-by-step approach helps facilitate thorough cleaning, reaching all parts of your mouth to keep your teeth and gums healthy.