Dental Cleaning and Examinations: What We Look For

Our San Clemente dental office can provide your child with a dental cleaning and examinations twice a year as a way to help them maintain good oral health. This is highly recommended no matter how old they are, their gender, or the condition their teeth are in. Some high-risk patients like diabetics and those with weak enamel may want to visit our office more often, but generally speaking, twice a year is enough to remain in good oral health. Our team is friendly and gentle, so we are certain they will have a positive experience when they come in.

The first part of their appointment will be for the dental cleaning. We will use an abrasive paste and dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up on their teeth since their last cleaning. This will improve the appearance of their teeth and remove many of the surface stains. Health-wise, this is an important step because it allows us to reduce the risk of them developing tooth decay, infections, and gum disease. All these problems can be caused by built-up plaque, so a teeth cleaning is necessary no matter how often they brush and floss their teeth, especially considering that there is bound to be some places in their mouth too difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone.

The examination portion of their appointment is equally important. In dental care, it is best to identify any issues early so treatment can begin before the problem gets worse and causes discomfort. During their exam, we will look for any signs of tooth decay. If they have a small cavity forming, we can often remove the decay before it causes them any discomfort. Afterward, we can restore the tooth using a tooth-colored dental filling, crown, etc. The earlier we do this, the less likely they will be uncomfortable as they eat and go about their daily activities. A regular dental cleaning and examinations make this possible.

Infections are also important to catch early. We typically take x-rays during an exam, and this allows us to see the inside of their teeth. If they have infected dental pulp, they could need a root canal and the faster one is performed, the better it will be for their comfort and health.

We will also look for signs of gum disease. This is a condition that often leads to tooth loss, so it is critical that gum disease is not left untreated. If their gums appear to be red, swollen, or receding, we may suggest scheduling a deep cleaning appointment so the plaque can be removed and their gums restored to good health. This is a far more intensive treatment than a standard dental cleaning and examinations, so it will require a follow-up visit.

The final thing our San Clemente dentist office will look for is signs of damage. It is important that they have their teeth restored if they are cracked or chipped. We can do so using a variety of procedures that include dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns.