As part of our approach to family dentistry, we recommend routine visits for people of all ages, from children to adults. A routine checkup and cleaning is crucial for maintaining healthy smiles and avoiding the onset of tooth decay and other serious oral health issues. Find out what happens during these visits and why you should schedule a visit with your Richfield, MN, dentist.
The Importance of a Routine Exam
An exam is a chance for a dental professional to really take a good look at your smile. We may take x-rays and perform a visual exam to obtain a detailed picture of your current oral health, identifying developing problems in the early stages and addressing them before they threaten your smile’s health and stability. For children and adults alike, we will look for the warning signs of cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and poor alignment. We can then create a personalized treatment plan to address these issues and improve oral health, preventing infections and premature tooth loss. For adults, we will screen for oral cancer during your checkups as well. For kids, these visits have been shown to reduce dental anxiety, and help children gain a better understanding of their oral health.
Having Your Teeth Cleaned
Whether the patient is a toddler or an adult, a cleaning is crucial for improving the smile’s health. Over time, plaque forms on our teeth as bacteria break down food particles. While brushing and flossing can help reduce the severity of plaque, only a cleaning can remove this sticky buildup. By removing plaque with a manual tool and ultrasonic scaler, we decrease the risk of bad breath, stained teeth, tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. We also polish your teeth and ensure you leave with a healthier smile (and brighter teeth)!
Periodontal Cleanings
What if we see teens and adults with gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease? To prevent periodontitis, an advanced staged of gum disease linked to adult tooth loss, we may prescribe a periodontal cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, the procedure involves removing plaque from the teeth and the roots as well. The procedure may only take one visit, but could also take as many as four depending on the severity of your buildup. The procedure helps improve gum health and control inflammation. If you have any questions about our family hygiene visits, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
If you would like to learn more about our preventive care and how to maintain optimal oral health, contact our team today. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
