Keeping Smiles Healthy With Checkups and Cleanings
October 23, 2019
The American Dental Association recommends a routine visit every six months to keep smiles of all ages bright and healthy. We agree, and urge our Kansas City, MO, patients to see us twice a year. These visits help your smile avoid the onset of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. We’re going to look at what happens during these routine preventive visits!
Exams
During your dental checkup, we will perform a visual exam and use advanced technology, including digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, to obtain a clear and detailed view of your oral health. We can see what’s happening in the teeth, gums, and even below the gum line, examining tooth roots and oral structures. We will watch for the warning signs of cavities, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease, as well as bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ disorder. The exam is brief, and allows us to watch your smile for the earliest signs of trouble, addressing them before they threaten the health and beauty of your smile.
Cleanings (And Periodontal Cleanings)
We also have two different options to clean your teeth. A traditional cleaning is performed during your routine exam every six months. The procedure involves removing all plaque from the surface of the teeth, a process that prevents gum inflammation and weakened tooth enamel, safeguarding smiles against tooth decay and gum disease. The procedure also offers fresher breath and brighter teeth.
A periodontal cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, allows our team to remove severe plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, as well as the roots. The procedure is more extensive and could require between one and four visits, depending on the extent of your buildup. This procedure allows us to better manage periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss.
Oral Cancer Screening
Our team will also screen for oral cancer once a year for adults. Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, with over half of the 53,000 diagnosed each year, succumbing to the disease within five years. The reason? Oral cancer is rarely discovered in the early stages, which allows the disease to grow and flourish. During your screening, we look for lesions, areas of red and white splotches, and hard spots on your oral structures. You should let us know if you have a sore that doesn’t heal after two weeks, changes to your voice or persistent hoarseness, or a sudden, unexplained weight loss or problems eating. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your next visit, then please contact our team today.
Schedule Your Checkup and Cleaning Today
We would like to help you and your family maintain optimal oral health for many years to come. To learn more about our general and preventive treatment options, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.