Dental Hygiene/Exams

Dental hygiene cleanings and dental exams are important to your overall dental health, allowing the dentist to see smaller problems in your mouth before they lead to larger ones. The Center for Family & Implant Dentistry recommends these appointments every six months for everyone in the family to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Dental Hygiene Deep Cleanings

When you get your deep cleaning, this can get rid of plaque and tartar sticking to your teeth that could cause dental decay and other problems. Our team provides a thorough, deep cleaning of your teeth by descaling the teeth and then polishing them. The descaling process uses a pick to remove tough, stuck-on plaque and tartar to prevent it from causing tooth decay.

The second step is polishing, which is a thorough brushing of your teeth with a special instrument and paste. You may also need a fluoride treatment if it’s recommended. Some patients need periodontal treatment at this time for gum disease issues. Our team is highly knowledgeable about dental hygiene and gum problems, and they have the experience needed to give you the best care possible.
For children’s appointments, we take the time to talk to them about the importance of keeping their teeth and gums clean for their health. Our team can explain how long they should brush and show them good practices for flossing.

What To Expect During Your Oral Exam

The dentist and dental hygienist will examine your mouth to look for any abnormalities. Dr. MacConnell does a thorough exam of your mouth during every six-month exam. The dentist will look at your gums, teeth, tongue, and the rest of your mouth to assess them. This is also a good time to bring up any problems you are having and ask any questions about your oral health.

Our dental exams are whole-mouth exams that look at all of your oral health. This includes reviewing your health history and screening for oral cancer or any problems with your head and neck. The dentist will look for any indication of cavities and take note of their positions and severity. He will also check for TMJ issues and assess your overall bite and individual teeth. If needed, you will also get X-rays to better pinpoint any problems.

During your oral exam, the doctor will assess which types of treatments you need, if any, and can create a treatment plan for your unique situation. He can also help you with your oral hygiene routine if you have problems.

Routine Dental Care With Our State-of-the-Art Office

For the best oral health for you and your family, regular visits with our dental team are recommended. When it’s time for your dental hygiene cleaning and oral exam, contact the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule your time.