Dental Exams and Cleanings
Most people go to the dentist when an oral health problem has developed. Many understand that restorative dentistry treatments repair dental damage and help prevent more serious dental complications, such as tooth loss. However, at 38th Street Dental, we encourage patients to make routine dental care a priority before dental damage occurs. By scheduling biannual dental exams and cleanings, we can monitor patients’ oral health and prevent damaging dental problems.
Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch believe that dental exams and cleanings provide our Austin, TX patients with the foundation of good oral health. Patients can count on these routine appointments to preserve a smile that is strong, healthy, and beautiful.
What to Expect
One of the main reasons that so many people are hesitant to schedule a dental exam and cleaning is because they aren’t really sure what to expect. Many believe they don’t have time for these exams, or question how uncomfortable they’ll be while the teeth are being cleaned. At our dental practice, we value our patient’s time and comfort. We are efficient in performing exams and cleanings and ensure that patients are out of our office in a timely manner, and remain comfortable throughout their appointment.
A dental examination is really just a visual evaluation of the teeth and gums. Dr. Meek and Dr. Tasch will look for signs of dental damage, as well as any sores or spots on the soft tissues of the mouth that may be a concern. At least once a year, the teeth will also be x-rayed and we will probe the gums to see if there are large pockets of space between the gum tissue and teeth. These diagnostic tools give us a deeper look at oral health so we can identify problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
The dental cleaning is the portion of the appointment that most patients dread the most. However, our dentists use a great deal of care to ensure our patients do not feel pain while the teeth are cleaned. Using a dental scaler, we will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth. Following that, the teeth will be flossed and polished. When a patient practices good oral hygiene habits at home, and maintains a regular schedule of dental exams and cleanings, these appointments can usually be completed in under an hour.
Benefits
Dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health. The benefits of these routine check-ups are overwhelming. Patients who undergo a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year are less likely to develop oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, root canal infection, and tooth loss. When problems do develop, they can be caught and treated early, before they develop into something more serious. In the long run, the amount of time and money that can be saved by avoiding the need for intensive restorative dentistry treatments far outweighs that which is required to keep up with professional dental care.
Contact Us
At 38th Street Dental, Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch are dedicated to providing quality dental care using the most advanced dental techniques. The dental services we provide allow our patients to maintain smiles that are strong, healthy, and beautiful. If you’d like to learn more about these services, contact us at your earliest convenience.