Leading the Way In Pain-Free Family Dental Care

Dental Exams and Cleanings

in Gurnee, IL

Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, are excellent ways to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. However, routine dental exams and cleanings are undoubtedly the most effective way to ensure continued oral health and wellbeing. The following is what you can expect when you visit Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry for your routine preventive care.

What Are the Benefits of Routine Dental Visits?

Maintaining your twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings is one of the best ways to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy, and your smile stays beautiful. Routine dental care has been shown to lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, preventing costly and extensive treatments down the road. It also helps reduce tooth staining and discoloration, shortens the time spent in your dentist’s office, and helps you enjoy a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

What Happens During Your Dental Exam?

We will start by capturing digital dental x-ray images to uncover any potential problems not visible to the naked eye, including decay between your teeth, bone loss, cysts, or any other abnormalities. We’ll also take your medical and dental history and ask you about any current concerns.

Dr. Nallasamy will examine every aspect of your oral health to rule out tooth decay, gum disease, and gum recession. She’ll ensure your restorations, such as crowns or fillings, are free of damage. Dr. Nallasamy will also evaluate your bite and conduct oral cancer, TMD, and sleep apnea screenings to rule out abnormalities.

 

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling dental exams and cleanings at intervals determined by a dentist. Children and adults typically require dental exams and cleanings every six months. Most dental insurance plans cover two dental checkups and cleanings a year, which helps detect any problems early on when they’re easiest and most affordable to treat. It’s important to note that some patients will require more frequent dental visits, especially those who have gum disease or are at an elevated risk of dental problems.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Our highly trained dental hygienist will clean your teeth with a dental scaler and other dental tools that gently remove plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth surfaces and just beneath the surface of your gum line. Next is polishing your teeth using a special paste and flossing to remove any remaining plaque or debris.

Our hygienist may alert you to areas that need a little extra attention when you brush and floss your teeth at home and may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.

What Happens After Your Exam and Cleaning?

Dr. Nallasamy will review her findings with you. If any dental problems are uncovered during your exam, she will recommend the most conservative treatment options to restore your oral health. She will also discuss any preventive treatments required to keep problems from developing and ensure your teeth and mouth stay healthy and sound.

 

Dental Exams and Cleanings Near Me in Gurnee, IL

Dr. Nallasamy and our team at Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry are proponents of prevention to keep dental disease at bay. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life. We invite you to call us at 847-356-2336 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online today.