Oral Wellness Exams & Cleanings
Your oral health is tied directly to your overall well-being, with links being found between many types of illnesses and the health of your mouth. For this, and other reasons, regular exams and cleanings are recommended by the American Dental Association to keep you healthy. Unless suggested otherwise by Dr. Lanie, you should have a routine cleaning and exam every six months.
Prophylaxis – A professional teeth cleaning
Prevention is the ideal way to keep your mouth healthy and free from disease and decay. This requires regular brushing and flossing on your part, but regular cleanings can help address areas you may have missed, or to eliminate tartar that can’t be removed at home. We suggest having regular cleanings at our office twice a year.
Cleanings with our office involve the removal of plaque, which is a sticky bacterial film that forms on your teeth. There is also calculus or tartar. This is a hardened form of plaque that can’t be removed by brushing. Once the cleaning is complete, your hygienist will polish the surfaces of your teeth. This isn’t just to make them sparkly—the smoother surface makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate between visits.
Once your teeth are clean, your mouth will be examined for any potential issues.
Routine exams with Lanie Family Dentistry involve:
- Going over any of your oral health concerns
- Inspecting your teeth for cavities or other damage
- An oral cancer screening
- Periodic X-rays to identify problems that can not be spotted with a visual exam
- Checking for any problems with your jaw joins
- A personalized treatment plan, just for your needs
