Some people visit our general dentistry in Houston when they have a dental emergency. Others make an appointment with us when they need to fix a chronic problem. All dentists recommend that you should schedule regular dental exams and cleaning in Houston, TX, rather than wait for an emergency to occur, but why and how can this help?
At Lynn Alan Palmer DDS, our Houston dentist suggests that you opt in for regular exams and teeth cleaning near you to maintain an overall healthy mouth. Here is more you need to know about it.
When you search for dental exams near me and find a dentist, he will check for signs of any unhealthy conditions such as gingivitis and cavities. This visual examination is done using a small mirror to see all the places in your mouth that you normally can’t. Because of this, your dentist can detect any issues long before you notice them allowing it to be resolved quickly.
After the visual examination, your dentist will clean your mouth in three steps:
During dental exams your dentist will begin your treatment with a tool called a scalar. This is a hand-held, metal hooked tool used to get rid of plaque and tartar. The dentist will scrape along your gums and between your teeth, removing any buildup that you normally cannot reach. The time this process takes can vary, depending on the condition of your teeth. If a lot of work was necessary, your dentist may help you reduce this build up in the future by suggesting tools or techniques you can use at home.
Next, you will move on to brushing your teeth. Rather than using a standard toothbrush, your dentist will use a professional grade, electric toothbrush along with an abrasive toothpaste. This toothpaste is grittier than what you are used to at home. This grit greatly helps to eliminate any remaining plaque or tartar on your teeth.
After the brushing, your dentist will likely begin a thorough flossing treatment. This flossing treatment, like the brushing, is different than what you do at home. Your dentist has a view of your teeth that you normally do not, allowing them to take care of any spots you have missed. Additionally, they are equipped to give you a flossing treatment that most cannot do at home.
A dental examination and teeth cleaning near you, should be done every six months. Every year, during one of these visits, your dentist will x-ray your teeth to look for any issues below the surface of your teeth that may not be detectable during a visual examination. If you live in the Houston area, make an appointment with our dentist in Houston to schedule your next visit to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS provides some really unparalleled services in Houston and if you are willing to avail these, then book an appointment with your dentist. We also offer our services in Hedwig Village, Spring Branch North, Spring Branch East, Energy Corridor, Spring Branch West, and Bunker Hill Village.
Here are some common questions about dental exams & cleaning:
A complete dental exam will include a review of the patient's history, including medical and dental records, examination of the intra- and extra-oral soft tissues, periodontal examination, oral cancer screening, and a radiographic exam.
Our dentist in North Houston recommends getting routine exams and cleanings once every six months or twice a year unless issues are detected or otherwise advised by your dentist to increase your exam and cleaning frequency.