Professional Dental Cleanings & Oral Exams in Marietta
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe the best way to prevent dental emergencies is through regular dental cleanings and oral exams. You may think your teeth and gums are in perfect condition, but you won’t know for sure until you visit a trusted family dentist in Marietta. Good oral hygiene includes more than brushing your teeth and using dental floss.
Why Dental Cleanings and Oral Exams Are Important
In truth, there’s no secret to effective oral hygiene. It starts at home by consistently brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash. However, even when you brush your teeth 2–3 times per day and floss like clockwork, you still need to visit the dentist for dental cleanings and oral exams.
One of the key benefits of a dental exam is to treat gum disease early. When you have a buildup of tartar and plaque it won’t be kind to the teeth and gums – this can eventually lead to tooth loss. If your dental hygienist can spot this issue early, you could certainly avoid more involved treatment in the future.
Plus, oral exams can spot cavities, indications of grinding your teeth, gum inflammation – and even oral cancer – before these develop into a more serious problem. Regular exams ensure that we detect these issues, and can put together a minimally-invasive treatment plan that solves your issue before a minor problem turns into something major.
What to Expect at a Dental Cleaning & Oral Exam Appointment
When you visit Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala and the team at the Shining Smiles office, you can expect a comprehensive treatment. A dental exam will include digital X-rays, cavity examination, gum disease check, oral cancer screening and more. Deep cleaning aims to remove tartar and plaque, along with tooth polishing.
We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients, but we aim to maximize your comfort throughout the experience. Dr. Mohip takes a gentle and caring approach to family dentistry – your health and well-being is our number one priority.
Is Dental Sedation an Option During a Teeth Cleaning?
Patients with dental anxiety can benefit greatly from dental sedation prior to teeth cleaning. Dental anxiety is unfortunately a common issue, and often leads to long periods between oral health checks. And consequently, those infrequent oral exams and teeth cleanings often result in a buildup of plaque and tartar. This buildup leads to more aggravation during a cleaning.
Sedation makes it easier to get your teeth cleaned as it enables a calming, painless procedure. In reality, most people who have a dental cleaning report little to no pain (with the possibility of some temporary discomfort), and therefore dental sedation is usually not required. But for those with anxiety or other concerns nitrous oxide or oral sedation is an important option. Patients should feel comfortable and able to address this issue with their dentist.
6 Reasons You Need Regular Dental Cleanings
Along with removing plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease, dental cleanings offer additional benefits. Your dentist has time to identify issues that might cause ongoing dental hygiene concerns. Here are some reasons to schedule regular dental cleanings with your Marietta dentist.
- Identify signs of tooth decay and prevent tooth loss.
- Recognize symptoms of TMJ disorder that limit jaw movement.
- Remove stubborn stains for cleaner teeth and a brighter smile.
- Lower the risk of heart disease and stroke associated with poor oral health.
- Spot damaged fillings or cracked teeth that will likely deteriorate.
- Detect signs of oral cancer, allowing for early treatment.
Common Questions About Dental Cleanings & Oral Exams
How often should I schedule a dental cleaning and oral exam appointment?
Scheduling dental cleanings and oral examinations every six months is a great way to stay on top of any issues, and keep your teeth clean and polished. However, should Dr. Mohip have any concerns about gum disease, inflammation and tooth decay, you may be advised to visit more regularly.
Do teeth cleanings hurt?
For most patients, teeth cleaning is not painful and won’t hurt. The best family dentists will make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, you may experience some temporary sensitivity after tartar and plaque have been removed.
Can an oral examination identify other health issues?
Aside from issues with your teeth and gums, oral exams are also useful for discovering other health issues. Swollen lymph nodes and oral cancer are two examples of conditions that could be found. Spotting signs of health conditions early-on ensures a patient can get the necessary medical treatment sooner.
Visit Us for Dental Cleanings & Oral Exams in Marietta
Are you due for your next dental cleaning and oral exam appointment? At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Mohip-Chahwala and our team are ready to welcome you to our office in Marietta. To schedule a dental cleaning, call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment today.
