Visits to the dentist every six months are essential not only to guarantee your long-term dental health but also to minimize the risk of dental emergencies. These appointments usually consist of professional cleaning of the teeth that eliminates tartar (hardened plaque) which can lead to oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and poor breath, among others An office of dental care in Brookline can help.
Dental Exam
Most hygienists conduct an oral examination before cleaning the teeth, as it may disclose the need for a full-mouth debridement instead of standard teeth cleaning of the exposed portion of the teeth (above the gum line). Expect the following during a standard oral evaluation:
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Physical examination of your mouth’s condition. This entails a thorough examination of your teeth, tongue, lips, mouth, and mandible.
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Periodontal probing – examining gum health through a physical exam and measuring the depth of gum cavities
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Normal dental cleansing does not necessitate X-rays. But your dentist might suggest they evaluate the extent of tooth erosion within or between impacted teeth. Depending on the results, you may need to schedule scaling and root planing alongside your teeth cleansing.
Oral Hygiene
A dental hygienist will scrub your teeth employing special instruments to remove tartar, a procedure known as scaling, following the examination. Following this, the teeth are going to be polished with a gritty substance. This technique is used to eliminate any discoloration on the surface. The hygienist will then use dental floss to clear the space between your teeth.
To guarantee your ideal dental health, you may require additional services, including:
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Gingival irrigation entails spraying a stream of medicinal water in the issue areas to eliminate bacteria hidden in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to access with a toothbrush or floss to eliminate food debris and collected bacteria. This decreases the size of gum pockets and enhances overall oral health.
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Fluoride varnish – a dental professional might suggest fluoride treatment to remineralize teeth with extremely thin enamel, to treat hypersensitivity caused by enamel erosion, or to prevent cavities.
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Remember that your oral health is linked to your overall health. Consequently, during your dental exam, the hygienist is able to recognize the symptoms of specific illnesses and diseases, such as a lack of nutrients, diabetes, and hormonal irregularities, and suggest what should be done to help manage them and resolve the issue.
Speak to a dentist!
It is always a good idea to seek help from a dentist. During your dental exam and cleaning, your dentist will guide you on how to proceed and provide aftercare tips.
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