Routine Cleanings
The dental examination is a diagnostic evaluation of a patient’s overall oral health and hygiene. During a dental examination, the doctor or hygienist may…
- Check for signs of decay or periodontal disease
- Ask about medications or health changes
- Take dental x-rays
- Evaluate occlusion (bite)
- Review anatomy of the mouth, jaw and teeth
- Discuss proper cleaning
- Remove stains or debris
- Apply sealants to protect your teeth from decay
- Irrigate the gums, when needed
- Perform an oral cancer exam, which involves feeling around the cheeks, gums, and tongue, under the jaw, and the sides of the neck for signs of oral cancer.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface. Ultrasonic instruments may also be used to penetrate the deepest areas under the gums.