Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Cumming
Keep Your Smile Strong & Healthy
It is always our goal to help patients keep up excellent oral health. In addition to your at-home routine, the best way to do this is by scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. During this time your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, and your hygienist will ensure that your teeth are squeaky clean. To get started with regular cleanings and checkups, give us a call!
Why Choose Bragg Dental for Checkups & Cleanings?
- Friendly, Welcoming Dental Team
- Flexible Financing Available
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
If you aren’t experiencing any dental issues, you may be wondering why you should bother with cleanings and checkups twice a year. Skipping regular dental visits can cost you a lot of time, discomfort, and money in the long run. When you attend your professional cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar that could result in cavities and gum disease. Your dentist will also check for any existing oral health concerns so they can be treated in their early stages. When minor problems are left untreated, this is when they can worsen. You could end up requiring root canal treatment, a dental crown, or even a tooth extraction in the future. By keeping your dental health in good shape through these routine visits, you can lower your risk of serious health conditions, like heart disease and type two diabetes.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
We will begin your appointment by visually examining your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and overall bite. We will also look around your mouth for early signs of oral cancer. Once a year, X-rays are taken of your mouth to check for issues under the surface that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If we come across any issues, we will put together a plan to restore the health of your smile. If you have any questions regarding your at-home dental care, this is the perfect time to ask.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even if you are diligent about your daily brushing and flossing, there will still be some parts of your smile that you can’t reach on your own. This is where your professional dental cleanings come in. During this time, your dental hygienist will use dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gumline. Removing this will reduce your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis. Your hygienist will also thoroughly floss your teeth and polish them to reduce the appearance of surface stains.
Cleanings & Checkups FAQs
I Haven’t Been to the Dentist for a While. What Can I Expect?
Whether you haven’t had dental insurance, have a hectic schedule, or have been experiencing anxiety, the most difficult part is making the call to schedule your appointment. Just remember that it is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. If it has been a long time since your last visit, you can expect your cleaning and exam to take a little bit longer since there will likely be more tartar and plaque to remove. Your dentist will speak with you about any concerns that you have and how they can be addressed. Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment before you leave!
How Often Should I Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
During each of your dental checkups, your dentist or hygienist will conduct an oral cancer screening. This should only take a few minutes, and it will help to identify any signs of abnormalities and ensure that you receive follow-up or testing if needed. First, your dentist or hygienist will feel the outside of your face, including your neck and jaw area for signs of lumps or bumps. They will also feel the inside of your lips and look in your mouth for abnormalities, like red and white rough patches and oral sores that haven’t healed in over two weeks. If we spot anything concerning, we will refer you to a specialist for further testing.
How Long Will My Dental Exam Take?
A regular dental exam is completed by your dentist and involves an oral cancer screening and a visual examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. They also examine your teeth for signs of decay, bite problems, and other concerns. They will also look at your existing dental work, including dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Typically, the exam portion of your visit will take between 10 and 15 minutes.
How Long Will My Dental Cleaning Take?
If you don’t have gum disease or any signs of gum disease, you attend dental visits every six months, and you maintain a good at-home dental hygiene routine, your cleaning should only take about 30 minutes. If you require a deeper cleaning due to tartar buildup, this could take longer or require multiple visits. The length of your dental cleaning will ultimately depend on the current state of your oral health.