ANDY NGAN TRAN DMD
EXAMS/CLEANING
If you are diligent about your oral hygiene habits – taking care to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily – you might think that you are adequately protecting yourself from tooth decay and gum disease. But the truth is, you can still experience a myriad of oral health issues even if you’re consistent with your brushing and flossing. Professional exams/cleanings are an absolute necessity in order to maintain good oral health. That’s why we encourage all our patients to make regular visits to our office for routine exams/cleanings, following the schedule recommended by your dentist. Why Professional Exams/Cleanings Are So Important No matter how thorough you are with your own brushing and flossing, you’ll never be able to completely remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth over time. It’s that buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Only a trained dental professional can ensure that all plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed with a professional cleaning. Having your teeth and gums examined by our dentists is also extremely important to maintain good oral health. Your dentist will ensure that all your existing dental work is intact, and will also check for any signs of oral cancer – something that is often not obvious in the early stages. Once the cleaning and exam is complete, your dentist will recommend whatever procedures need to be done, as well as when you should return for your next routine visit. Professional exams/cleanings are important for every member of your family – from young children to the elderly. Our trained dental professionals are accustomed to working with people of all ages, so we can treat your entire family. What to Expect During your Exams/Cleanings Although the exact procedures may vary somewhat for each patient, depending on their current oral health and history, usually you can expect the following during your exam/cleaning:
* Your hygienist will clean and polish your teeth.
* Your hygienist and your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
* Your dentist will do perform a special oral cancer exam.
* Your hygienist may decide to measure the depth of gum pockets around your teeth.
* Some visits may include X-rays of your mouth.