What to Expect from Your Oral Exam
Regular dental checkups play a key role in the prevention of dental problems and the maintenance of your oral health. At MarPark Dental Care, we recommend an exam at least every year for adults and every six months for children.
Checkups at our dental office may include the following:
- Medical history review: Your overall health is closely tied to your oral health.
- Digital X-rays to gather vital information about your oral health and to check for decay, tumors, cysts, root position and more.
- Oral cancer screening: We use VELscope oral cancer screening technology to detect irregularities in your mouth. We also check the face, neck and lips for signs of cancer.
- Check for tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be examined for decay.
- Examination of existing restorations including fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures and more.
- Recommendation of treatment options and providing a customized treatment plan.
Oral Health Care at Home
A diligent oral hygiene routine at home helps to keep your teeth healthy between checkups. Our dental team recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day for optimal results.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your checkup, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to help prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove tartar and plaque build-up from your teeth. Next, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque. To finish, they will perform a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you face an increased risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
