Routine Dental Exam and Cleaning in Chelsea: A Guide for Patients

Dental

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Most people know that regular dental exams and cleanings are critical for their overall oral health, and yet many don’t schedule an appointment until there’s a problem. It is essential that you focus on good oral hygiene habits at home, but seeing your General dentist in Chelsea NYC is just as relevant. If you are visiting the clinic for a routine dental exam and cleaning, here’s what is likely to happen.

Review of a dental exam

Your dentist will start by checking your teeth and gums for a complete evaluation. They will look for signs of decay or other concerns that must be addressed. Diagnostic X-rays are usually recommended for patients who haven’t had imaging tests in more than a year. X-rays help the dentist check for concerns like tumors, cysts, decay, and bone loss. Your dentist will also do a standard oral cancer screening, especially if you are at a higher risk because of genetics. They will also check for periodontal disease and the condition of existing restorations, such as crowns and fillings.

Review of dental cleaning

If everything is okay during the exam, the dentist will call the dental hygienist to do the cleaning. The first step is to get rid of the plaque and tartar around the gum line. You may hear some sounds, but there is nothing to be scared of. Once the tartar is gone, the dental hygienist will then use a special toothbrush and a scrub-like toothpaste. While you may find gritty toothpaste in supermarkets, do not use them at home. After the brushing, your dental hygienist will floss your teeth to get rid of remaining toothpaste and debris from cleaning.

It is common for dentists to recommend a fluoride treatment to protect teeth from cavities. The fluoride treatment is simple, where you wear a mouthpiece with a sticky paste or gel for a minute.

Dental cleaning vs. root planing and scaling

If your dentist finds signs of gum disease, they may suggest additional treatments, such as scaling and root planing. Root planing and scaling are deep cleaning procedures, and the dentist or dental hygienist will use the scaler beyond the gum line to clean the pockets between your teeth and gums. Compared to standard dental cleaning, these procedures can take longer, especially if you have excessive tartar buildup. While root planing and scaling can be completed in a single visit, your dentist may advise dividing the work to minimize pain and discomfort. These procedures are often performed under local anesthesia, unlike routine cleaning.

How often should you go for routine dental cleaning?

Some patients are more at risk of dental diseases, and therefore, their dentists may schedule periodic cleanings and exams as necessary. However, the standard norm is six months. Getting your teeth cleaned and checked by a professional twice a year is highly recommended.

What if the dentist finds a cavity?

Routine exams help spot cavities in the early stages, and the best treatment is to fill a hole with a filling. The procedure can be completed on the same day, and your dentist will do that after the cleaning process. Do ask about filling materials and choices.

What to ask the dentist?

You can always discuss how you can care better for your teeth and gums while meeting your dentist for a routine exam. If you have cosmetic concerns, this is a good time to learn about the treatment options to enhance your smile.

Final takeaway

If you haven’t been to your dental clinic in Chelsea in more than six months, you are due for an appointment. Call the office now and check for the dentist’s availability.

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