CLEANING & PREVENTION
The teeth you are born with are generally the best ones. It saves time, pain, and money to take good care of them. Regular cleanings and exams are a good place to start.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A dental exam and cleaning appointment generally takes 60 minutes. A hygienist will use instruments to clean around your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. The teeth and gumline are cleaned of plaque and tartar. This oral treatment helps prevent cavities, gum disease, bone loss, and bad breath. Dental cleanings rid the mouth of harmful bacteria. Cleanings are recommended at least twice a year for most people to maintain their best health. A dental exam is performed by a dentist who will look carefully at X-rays to get a view of spaces in your mouth that are not easily seen with the eyes. Regular dental exams help us detect problems when they’re small and easily taken care of. We also screen for chronic diseases and cancers during check-ups. The dentist will also look for signs of wear on teeth, changes in your oral health, potential airway issues, and markers of overall health.
CANDIDATES FOR A DENTAL EXAM
Everyone with teeth should receive regular dental exams and cleanings. Kids benefit from regular check-ups as soon as you start seeing their teeth. Most people should schedule appointments every six months. If you experience symptoms such as bad breath, plaque, gum pain or swelling, discomfort, or tooth decay, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
DENTAL EXAM AND CLEANING PROCEDURE
At Peterson & Franklin Dentistry, we begin with a comprehensive examination of teeth and gums to create a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Your examination will include low-radiation digital X-rays to detect decay between the teeth and an oral cancer screening. We then use both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently break up plaque and tartar below the gumline. Our team will also tell you what you need to know about home care so future cleanings will be easy.
DENTAL EXAM AND CLEANING RESULTS
Most people’s teeth feel great, smooth, and shiny after a cleaning. However, after a cleaning, you may experience mild temporary side effects including bleeding, swelling, redness, and discomfort. These commonly occur due to addressing hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. These side effects are usually very mild. To maintain your dental hygiene between cleanings, follow your dentist’s recommendations on flossing and brushing.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If you are due for your dental exam and cleaning, please get in touch with us today at Peterson & Franklin Dentistry to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Bellevue, WA office by filling out our online contact form or calling us at 425-502-9743.
