Dental Check-Up and Cleaning

 

A check-up typically involves a medical history review, intra-oral cancer screening, bite assessment, periodontal health (Gum) check and clinical exam for cavities.

 

Every patient will have a cavity risk. Depending on a patients cavity risk x-rays may be recommended every 1-3 years. Many reasons exist for taking a dental x-ray. Some cavities occur between teeth and can be difficult to detect with clinical exam only. For this reasons bite-wing x-rays are taken to assess for inter-proximal decay. Other reasons include to assess health of the root of a tooth, assess surround bone levels, assess impacted teeth and assess normal anatomy, as well as check for pathology.

The dental hygienist or dentist will complete a full mouth probing. A full mouth probing assesses the health of the soft gum tissue and bone. This is completed at every cleaning. The hygienist will complete supra-gingival (Above the gum line) and sub-gingival (Below the gum line) scaling and/or root planning.

Following this treatment the hygienist may recommend polishing of the teeth to remove superficial stain and plaque as well as apply fluoride if indicated.

 

Fluoride comes in many forms. Based upon research Fluoride varnish tends to be the best method of preventing dental cavities.

 

Every patient will have an optimal frequency for continuing care check-up and cleaning. These recommendations will typically be made by the dentist and hygienist depending on clinical conditions determined at a New Patient Exam or Dental Check-Up.