The Perfect Time Of Year - for A Cleaning!
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to remember and plan your dental hygiene. Call your dentist and schedule your biannual dental exam and cleanings now so you can work your yearly schedule around them. If you work and have a family, you know that your schedule is going to fill up fast! That’s why this is the perfect time of year to think about your dental hygiene.
Dental Exam and Prophylaxis
Your biannual checkup and cleanings are extremely important to your dental health. Each checkup consists of a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. If you are a new patient, we will perform X-rays, including a panoramic view of your whole mouth. Other issues may also require X-rays of your roots, jawbone, and other oral structures. We use digital radiography for clearer images and improved diagnostics. Digital X-rays emit up to 80 percent less radiation compared to traditional X-rays. During your exams, if Dr. Hutto finds cavities, gingivitis, tooth damage, or other concerns he will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Prophylaxis
A prophylaxis is the formal name for a professional dental cleaning. Professional cleanings are important because when we brush and floss, no matter how diligent we are, we still miss areas of plaque. Bacterial plaque is what causes decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar which can no longer be removed by brushing or flossing. It can only be removed by a trained professional using the proper tools. During your cleaning, a scaler is used to scrape off the tartar that formed above and below your gum line. Your teeth are then polished using a lightly abrasive paste. This step is to smooth the surfaces of your teeth to make it more difficult for harmful plaque to accumulate. Next your teeth will be flossed, and you will be given a fluoride treatment.