Dental Exams & Cleanings | Centennial Smiles Dental

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Exams & Professional Cleaning

What is included in a Dental Exam & Cleaning at Centennial Smiles?

While daily brushing and flossing at home help keep your smile bright, visiting Centennial Smiles every six months for a thorough exam and cleaning is essential for maintaining your health. Our comprehensive Dental Exam includes: diagnostic x-rays, an oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, examination of the tooth surface, and existing restorations. Your Professional Dental Cleaning will include: scaling, root planing and polishing, removal of calculus (tartar), removal of plaque, and teeth polishing.

Here are a few reasons you need a Dental Exam and Cleaning.

PREVENT TOOTH DECAY, GUM DISEASE, AND BAD BREATH
SAVE MONEY BY AVOIDING COSTLY DENTAL PROCEDURES
KEEP YOUR TEETH WHITE BY REDUCING STAINING
SHORTEN TIME SPENT IN THE DENTIST'S OFFICE
MAINTAIN A SMILE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

What does the procedure involve?

Your comprehensive dental exam & cleaning includes several important steps to ensure your oral health. During your visit, our caring team will perform:

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL EXAM

DIAGNOSTIC X-RAYS (RADIOGRAPHS): To find decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss, and tooth positions
ORAL CANCER SCREENING: To check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
GUM DISEASE EVALUATION: To check your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease
EXAMINATION OF TOOTH SURFACE: To check for decay with special dental instruments
EXAMINATION OF EXISTING RESTORATIONS: To check your fillings, crowns, veneers, etc.

PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING

REMOVAL OF CALCULUS (TARTAR): Calculus is hardened plaque that has formed on the tooth and will be firmly attached. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can be removed with appropriate dental instruments
REMOVAL OF PLAQUE: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produces toxins that inflame the gums, which is the start of periodontal disease and can affect your general health!
TEETH POLISHING: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to maintain regular dental visits to keep your smile healthy and bright.

What are the primary benefits of regular Dental Exams & Cleanings?

Regular dental exams help detect problems early. By identifying issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their earliest stages, we can treat them before they become serious and require extensive procedures.
Professional cleanings keep your smile bright and healthy. Our thorough cleaning removes built-up plaque and tartar that regular brushing can't reach, preventing decay and maintaining your oral health.
Your oral health affects your overall wellness. Regular dental exams help protect not just your mouth, but your whole body's health, as many systemic conditions show early signs in your oral health.
Prevention saves time and money.By maintaining regular dental exams, you can avoid costly and time-consuming treatments that come with neglected dental problems.
And finally, dental exams provide peace of mind. You'll leave knowing your oral health is in good hands and with a clear understanding of your dental health status and any preventive care you might need.