Because dental cleanings give our hygienists quality time to work on your smile one tooth at a time, they can often identify changes with your oral health that may require treatment or additional attention for you to stay healthy. This is part of the reason why your regular dental exams and dental cleanings are so important.
Preventing dental conditions is the best way to protect your smile. With regular appointments, we can often detect and treat any problems before they progress.
Here are a few things that we look for during your dental cleanings:
Gum recession – The presence of gum recession can indicate a misaligned bite or gum disease. A periodontal evaluation will determine whether the recession is worsening over time. By monitoring the health of your gums, we can take action to stop or correct the cause of your gum recession. Treatment may include correcting your bite, the use of a nightguard, periodontal surgery, or restorative dentistry.
Bleeding gums – Any time your gums bleed, it is a sign that something is wrong. This might mean infection – or something lodged in your gums. Our hygienist will examine the tissue in the area to determine if any corrective action is necessary. Oftentimes, a professional dental cleaning and improved home care will allow the healing process to begin. We may place a localized antibiotic treatment or recommend a deep cleaning in instances of advanced periodontal disease.
Cracks, decay, or old restorations – Your hygienist may be the first to notice that you have a cracked tooth, decay, or old restorations that are breaking down. Your dentist will carefully check any areas of concern during your dental exam and make a diagnosis along with treatment recommendations to restore your health. A crown, filling, or replacement restoration can prolong the life of your tooth.
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Cleaning?
Give us a call to schedule an appointment!