Routine dental exams and teeth cleanings are vital to maintaining a healthy mouth and a pleasant smile. These dental visits make it possible to treat problems in their initial stages. At Ygnacio Dental in Walnut Creek, CA 945961, we can check for tooth decay, gum disease, declined fillings, and other variations in your teeth and gums.
How Often Should You Come in for a Visit?
We recommend patients come in for a cleaning and exam once every six months. Based on their health and medical history, we may recommend more frequent visits for some patients. Visiting our office for regular appointments is one of the perfect ways to keep your gums, teeth, and mouth healthy and disease-free.
Dental problems such as cavities and gum disorders can develop quickly. That is why it is so crucial to check for signs of potential oral health problems frequently. The earlier we detect an issue, the easier it will be to provide treatment.
What Does a Cleaning Include?
During the first part of your visit, our hygienist will meticulously clean your teeth and gums. Over time, plaque and tartar naturally accumulate on the surface of your teeth. Overlooking these accumulations can lead to tooth decay and gum recession. By carefully extracting tartar and plaque from your enamel, we can keep your mouth in good health between appointments.
While our hygienist is cleaning your teeth, they will also look for any symptoms of potential health problems. These signs can include:
- Discoloration
- Decay
- Receding gum line
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Abnormal bumps
During the cleaning, we may also recommend a fluoride application to help strengthen your enamel. At the end of the cleaning, your mouth will feel clean and healthy.
What Is Involved During a Dental Exam?
After your cleaning, we will begin an exam of your mouth. We will check your teeth, gums, throat, face, and other oral structures for signs of decay or disease. This exam may include capturing intraoral images of your throat and gums to diagnose all the hidden areas of your mouth.
Based on your oral health, we may also take digital X-rays of your mouth to make sure your teeth and jawbones are in good condition. Digital X-rays are environmentally friendly and use less radiation than conventional X-rays, making them safer and affordable. During your examination, our dentists will check for:
- Tooth decay
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Worn teeth
- Gum disease
- Inflammation
- Oral cancer
- TMJ disorder
We understand the importance of diagnosing, identifying, and treating potential problems at the earliest. Prevention and early diagnoses are especially vital when addressing oral cancers.
If you would like to learn more about our professional cleanings and exams, visit Ygnacio Dental at 1766 Lacassie Ave # 101, Walnut Creek, CA 945961, or call us at (925) 280-2848 and schedule an appointment.