Are you diligently brushing and flossing your teeth every day yet still experiencing oral health issues? While proper at-home dental care is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The other important component to achieving optimal oral health and preventing serious dental problems is attending routine cleanings and exams.
Many people may overlook the importance of routine visits to the dentist, but these appointments are essential for keeping your teeth and gums in top shape. At your next dental appointment, Dr. Poornima and Dr. Sam can discuss how regular visits to Purple Dental can benefit your mouth and your money in the long run.
After assessing your smile, Dr. Poornima and Dr. Sam will decide which type of dental cleaning is best for your unique situation. Generally, this boils down to two different types of cleaning: basic teeth cleaning and dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Your smile will let our Glastonbury dentists decide which type of cleaning you need for optimal oral health.
Bacterial Build-Up: If you have minimal plaque build-up, have seen the dentist within the last six months, and care for your smile at home (by brushing and flossing), a basic dental cleaning might fit the bill.
Deep Gum Pockets: The deeper the gum pockets, the deeper the cleaning. After measuring your gums, our dentist will decide which type of cleaning will make your smile sparkle.
Presence of Gum Disease: Although typical, gum disease is a destructive condition that affects not only the gums—but your pearly whites, too. If our dentists notice glaring signs of gum disease, we’ll suggest SRP.
Usually, dental exams and cleanings begin with a thorough medical history review and a discussion of any dental concerns or symptoms the patient may have experienced. Following this, a team member will conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient’s mouth, which includes checking the gums for signs of disease, inspecting the teeth for cavities or decay, and taking X-rays, if necessary, to evaluate the underlying structures.
Once the examination is complete, the teeth cleaning process begins. The final stage involves our dentist conducting a thorough evaluation of the cleaning results, discussing findings with the patient, and recommending a personalized oral care plan or any required treatments. For instance, Dr. Poornima and Dr. Sam might suggest fluoride treatments or dental sealants for anti-cavity treatment or an oral cancer screening based on their findings. This collaborative approach ensures that patients not only leave with cleaner teeth but also equipped with knowledge on how to improve oral health practices.
If you haven’t seen the dentist in over six months, it’s definitely time. Now accepting new patients, Purple Dental would love to treat you and your loved ones. Contact us for more information.
