Dental Exams and Cleanings for a Healthy, Issue-free Smile
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy, confident smile. However, many people underestimate the importance of routine oral exams and cleanings. These check-ups aren’t just about maintaining a bright smile—they are vital in the early detection of dental issues, preventing unnecessary pain and costly treatments.
Ballston Dental Care is committed to providing top-notch dental care to patients of all ages, combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized touch to provide comprehensive preventive dental care. We aim to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile for life.
What should I expect during a dental exam?
A dental exam is a quick, painless procedure often completed within 45-60 minutes. If you are a new patient, your exam starts with a full inquiry of your medical and dental history, including current health conditions, past dental treatments, allergies, medications, etc. All these issues affect your oral health and help personalize your treatments.
After the basics, the rest of your oral exam involves:
- Comprehensive visual exam: Dentists are trained to detect what you might have missed at home. Visual exams with the help of an intraoral camera help detect signs of decay, gum disease, jaw problems, misalignments, etc.
- Oral cancer screening: The dentist will examine your palate, inner cheeks, lips, under the tongue, throat, and other oral structures for lesions, lumps, bumps, and other signs of mouth cancer. Oral cancer screenings are vital in detecting mouth cancer at its earliest stage when it’s easily treatable.
- Dental x-rays: Modern radiographs help visualize the jawbone and tooth structures that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Dental x-rays aren’t needed in every dental visit unless you have developed symptoms that require further scrutiny.
- Dental cleaning: During a dental cleaning or oral prophylaxis, we’ll mechanically remove built-in plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. After the cleaning, the dental hygienist polishes your teeth to remove surface stains for a radiant, vibrant smile.
After your dental check-up and cleaning, we’ll discuss the effects of diet, smoking, and other lifestyle choices on your dental health. If we discover problems during your oral exam, we’ll devise a personalized treatment plan to restore optimal dental health.
Why do dental exams and cleanings matter?
Just like your car requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, your mouth also needs routine check-ups to stay healthy and problem-free. Imagine skipping oil changes, brake checks, or neglecting tire rotations! Eventually, your car would start to show signs of wear and tear, leading to costly repairs or even breakdowns.
The same principle applies to your oral health. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for preventive maintenance of your teeth and gums, catching potential problems early before they escalate into significant headaches.
In the same way, you wouldn’t wait for your car to break down before taking it to a mechanic, and you shouldn’t wait for a toothache, gum bleeding, or other symptoms to visit the team at Ballston Dental Care. Regular dental visits let us monitor your oral health, administer professional cleanings, and offer personalized advice to keep your smile in shape.
Are you due for a routine exam and cleaning?
All patients—young and old—must visit a dentist twice annually or sooner if they are at high risk of decay or gum disease. Have you seen a dentist in the last six months? If not, it’s not too late to restore your oral health—call (703) 229-8565 to schedule an appointment with Ballston Dental Care.
