Ramp Up Your Preventive Dental Care with Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dental cleanings and check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Oral wellness visits complement your at-home oral hygiene to keep your smile free from tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. Blue Back Dental is excited to welcome you and your loved ones at our two convenient West Hartford and Avon offices. Schedule your appointment today to maintain a healthy, confident smile.
What should I expect during my dental exam?
Expect a seamless and painless procedure. Our dental exams are comprehensive, taking about 60-90 minutes. The dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums during your exam to unearth the following issues.
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Failing dental work
- Oral cancer
- Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding)
Our visual exams are detailed, but not every oral issue is visible to the naked eye. Your dental exam will likely involve X-rays to unearth oral problems beneath the gum line. Dental X-rays help uncover impacted teeth, bone loss, interdental decay, cysts, and other hidden issues. We use the latest dental X-rays, which generate high-quality images with minimal radiation exposure.
What does a dental cleaning involve?
No matter how long you clean your teeth, reaching every nook and cranny in the mouth is virtually impossible. During professional dental cleanings, our dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque from all mouth surfaces, especially between teeth and along the gum line. If left to thrive, dental plaque calcifies into tartar, which is tough to remove without special dental instruments.
After your cleaning, we polish your teeth using a special, gentle polishing paste that helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and refreshed. Many patients enjoy this step because it enhances their smile’s shine while also making it harder for plaque to build up. For added protection against tooth decay, some patients may also benefit from a fluoride treatment following their cleaning.
Why are dental cleanings and exams important?
Here are reasons you should never think about skipping regular check-ups and cleanings.
- Prevention: Removing plaque and tartar prevents several oral problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
- Early detection: Dentists are trained to detect and treat oral issues before they become significant problems. Early detection means less costly and invasive treatments.
- Better systemic health: There’s a direct link between your oral health and overall wellness. Oral issues like periodontal disease have been linked to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, preterm birth, and other systemic conditions. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth pays dividends for your overall health.
- Patient education: We provide tailored education to keep your smile healthy between dental visits.
Cost savings: Prevention and early detection help you avoid the need for crowns, root canals, and other expensive restorative treatments.
Routine oral wellness visits are typically covered by insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs. However, patients without insurance can access high-quality dental care with our in-house dental payment plan. For an affordable annual fee, children and adults can enjoy essential preventive care with peace of mind.
How often should I have a dental cleaning and exam?
The standard is to visit your dentist every six months. However, not all patients are created equal. If you have a history of tooth decay and oral infections, the dentist will recommend oral wellness visits every 3-4 months.
Ready to schedule a dental cleaning appointment?
Has it been over six months since your last dental check-up? It’s never too late to restore your oral health. Call Avon (860) 406-5900 or West Hartford (860) 530-4900 and schedule an appointment with our offices in West Hartford and Avon, CT.
