After catching up on your latest adventures, we complete a full dental exam. This exam includes evaluating the head and neck as well as the teeth, gums and soft tissues. We’ll then check for cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. Finally, we will perform a professional cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other buildup on your teeth.
What are dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings, also known as a dental prophylaxis or “prophy”, start by using specialized tools to scrape away buildup on the teeth. Then, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains, which also gives a minty fresh feeling! We will also perform an oral cancer screening for you during your regular dental check up. We look at your neck, face, throat, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and other soft tissues for any signs of disease. Dental cleanings typically take around 30 minutes to perform.
Occasionally we use digital x-rays to detect any dental problem that may be hidden beneath the surface including internal tooth decay, periodontitis (also known as gum disease), cysts, oral cancers, or jawbone diseases. We always use low radiation x-rays and take them quickly to minimize discomfort.
How often should you get dental check ups?
Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately.
The American Dental Association, and most dentists, recommend visiting your dentist at least every six months. The maintenance and cleaning provided at these visits is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
How often should you get dental check ups?
While the actual time may vary slightly depending on any adjunct procedures, dental check ups usually take about an hour. This includes the cleaning, exam, and any x-rays that are needed. At Life Bloom Dental we make sure to spend quality time at every appointment, to ensure you feel listened to, comfortable, and at home. We also understand time is precious for everyone so we make every effort to stay on time so you get back to your busy life.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth and structures around the neck including the pharynx, larynx, and salivary glands. Early detection and treatment is critical to beat this disease, so make an appointment if you suspect any of the following:
- Persistent soreness, swelling, or odd patches in or around your mouth
- Numbness or pain in your mouth or neck
- Loose teeth with no apparent cause
- A feeling of a lump in your throat that won’t go away
- Red or white lesions anywhere on your mouth
- Trouble talking, swallowing, chewing or moving your jaw
- Ear pain without loss of hearing
While the oral cancer survival rate in the US after five years is more than 60%, the chances of survival increases dramatically when detected early.