Dental Exam and Cleaning in Fairfax
Dental Exams
You rely on teeth every day to speak, smile and eat. It’s a good idea to get them checked on a regular basis. Ask your dentist about a dental exam. A dental exam is a checkup of your teeth and gums. When done regularly, these exams can protect your oral health. Oral health problems can become serious and painful if not treated promptly.
Dental exams are usually performed by both a dentist and a dental hygienist. These exams are used to look for issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. When the dentist can catch these problems early on, they are easier to treat. These exams can also educate people on how to properly care for their teeth and gums.
Most people should get a dental exam every six months. If you have swollen, bleeding gums or gum disease, your dentist may want to see you more often. More frequent exams may help prevent periodontitis, which is a serious gum disease that can cause infection and tooth loss.
Babies should have their first dental appointment by 12 months of age. After that, they should take an exam every six months. More frequent visits may be needed if the dentist finds any oral health issues.
Regular dental exams are important for oral health as well as overall general health. Schedule yours today so you can stay healthy. Call Breeze Dental at 703-273-5545.
What happens during a dental exam?
A typical dental exam in Fairfax may include three parts: cleaning by a hygienist, a checkup of your mouth by the dentist and X-rays on certain visits.
During a cleaning, you will sit in a large chair. The hygienist will clean your teeth using small, metal dental tools. They will scrape your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that coats your teeth with bacteria. If plaque builds up on teeth, it turns into a hard mineral deposit called tartar.
The hygienist will then floss your teeth. Next, they will brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush. They may also apply fluoride to your teeth. Fluoride prevents tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. Children are more likely to get fluoride treatments, although some adults might get them as well. The hygienist or dentist may show you proper brushing and flossing techniques if oral hygiene is an issue.
During the dentist’s checkup, the dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums. They will check your bite and see how the top and bottom teeth fit together. He or she will also check for oral cancer. This includes feeling various areas of your mouth, such as under your jaw, the roof and floor of your mouth, the insides of your lips and the sides of your tongue. The dentist will also check your X-rays, if applicable.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are typically done every 1-2 years. X-rays can give your dentist a better idea of what’s going on in your mouth. These images show cavities, gum disease, bone loss and other problems that cannot be easily seen in an oral exam.
During an X-ray, the hygienist will place a lead apron over your chest. This is used to protect the rest of your body from radiation. X-rays are generally very safe but are not recommended for pregnant women. Therefore, you should let your dentist know if you are pregnant.
Taking dental X-rays in Fairfax is fairly easy. You will bite down on a small piece of plastic. The hygienist will place a scanner outside your mouth and take a picture. You will repeat this process for other areas of your mouth.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for a dental exam?
If you have certain health conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before your exam. These conditions include heart problems, immune system disorders, and surgery.
If you have certain health conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before your exam. These conditions include heart problems, immune system disorders, and surgery.
Preparation
To prepare for your dental exam, make sure you are engaging in healthy habits that will protect your teeth for many years. You need to take good care of your teeth and gums, and this starts by practicing good dental habits at home. Good home oral care includes the following steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Use a toothpaste that has fluoride.
- Floss daily to remove plaque, which can cause damage to teeth and gums.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar.
- Avoid smoking, which can lead to oral health problems.
Contact Us Today
Regular dental exams can keep your teeth happy and healthy for life. Give your teeth the care they deserve. The dentists at Breeze Dental can help you prevent serious oral health issues. Call our office at 703-273-5545 to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and X-rays.
Dental Cleanings
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are great ways to keep your teeth healthy at home, but it's not enough to keep bacteria and plaque at bay. You need to see your dentist on a regular basis to professionally clean your teeth.
During dental cleaning in Fairfax, the dentist will remove plaque, tartar, and stains that have accumulated on your teeth. It is recommended to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.
Are you due for a cleaning? If so, contact Breeze Dental today and schedule an appointment. Call 703-273-5545.
Dental Cleaning Procedure
A dental cleaning typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. This will depend on the condition of your teeth and the last time you have had them cleaned. There are various steps involved in a dental cleaning. They include the following.
Examination
A dental hygienist will first examine your mouth. Before cleaning, they will use a small mirror to check your mouth for signs of inflammation, plaque, tartar or other issues. If they find anything of concern, they will let the dentist know and determine whether or not to proceed.
Scaling
After the exam, the hygienist will begin by scaling. Scaling involves using a handheld tool to remove tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. A manual or ultrasonic scaler may be used, depending on the amount of tartar you have. For large amounts, an electronic scaler is useful. It can easily remove larger pieces of tartar using a gentle vibration, along with a stream of water. If this process is painful or takes a long time, it means you need to do a better job of cleaning your teeth at home.
Fluoride
As a final step, your dentist may give you fluoride treatment. Fluoride can help strengthen the enamel, which can help repel acid attacks that cause tooth decay. This is primarily done for children since they are more prone to cavities. However, some adults may opt for fluoride as well, especially if they have had issues with cavities in the past.
The dentist will apply the fluoride solution in the form of a gel or rinse. Sometimes it comes in flavors such as mint, strawberry, and chocolate.
Most teeth cleaning sessions are painless and require no anesthetics. However, there may be some swelling, bleeding gums or discomfort afterward if it has been a long time since your last cleaning. If this is true for you, make it a point to get cleanings more often.
Professional dental cleanings help to reinforce healthy oral health care routines at home. They can also alert the dentist to any areas of your mouth that may need special attention. Cleanings are also an opportunity for your hygienist or dentist to give you educational advice. You may be advised on proper eating, brushing or flossing habits to maintain the health of your teeth. If you have any medical conditions, you may be counseled on how to keep your teeth healthy.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
If you have gum disease or other health issues, you may need deep teeth cleaning near Fairfax. While deep cleaning is similar to regular cleaning in some ways, there are different procedures involved. The procedure is much more thorough and involved. Your dentist may require you to come into the office every few months.
Additionally, a deep cleaning requires an additional step: root planing. The hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth. In some cases, two separate visits are required. The goal is to get all of the bacteria removed from your teeth and gums. This will improve the health of your mouth.
Polishing
The next step is tooth polishing. This consists of polishing the tooth surface with an electric toothbrush, using a rubber motorized cup attached to an abrasive polishing compound. A gritty toothpaste is used to lightly scrub and polish your teeth. Polishing teeth is helpful, as its smooth texture makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on the teeth. Polishing can also remove some stains and give the teeth a shiny, clean look.
Flossing
Even if you floss at home, nothing beats having an expert floss your teeth. Dental hygienists are specially trained to get deep between your teeth and remove food particles and other debris. This step can also remove any plaque and toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning process.
Rinsing
After flossing, you will then rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. Usually, you will rinse with water, but sometimes fluoride is included.
Contact Us Today
Regular dental exams can keep your teeth happy and healthy for life. Give your teeth the care they deserve. The dentists at Breeze Dental can help you prevent serious oral health issues. Call our office at 703-273-5545 to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and X-rays.
