Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning

Is it time for your routine dental exam and teeth cleaning? Do you have some apprehension about going to the dentist? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious when it comes time for their six-month checkup. However, routine dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential to keeping your mouth healthy and preventing more serious dental issues from developing down the road. 

At Clearwater Dentistry, our main priority is your oral health, and we want to ensure that your teeth stay in great shape for years to come. We recommend visiting us twice a year for routine dental exams and teeth cleanings. 

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Greeley, CO, Call (970) 515-3550, or complete the online booking form. With comfortable, ergonomic treatment chairs and cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Baughman and his team make coming to the dentist comfortable and easy.

Your First Visit- New Patient Appointment

When you arrive, you will be greeted by a Patient Care Coordinator who will check you in, notify the team of your arrival, verify insurance if applicable, and guide you through any necessary new patient forms. You can save time by completing the new patient forms online before you arrive. A link to the new patient forms is also available on our website.

Once completed, a member of our team will escort you from the waiting room to a treatment room where they will review your dental history, medical history, and any dental health concerns or issues. The dental hygienist or assistant will then take digital x-rays for the doctor to review. 

We then complete a comprehensive evaluation to document your current oral condition, including existing restorations, cavities, periodontal health, and other conditions or habits that may influence your oral health and complete a head/neck exam and oral cancer screening. 

Upon completing our evaluation, we will review our findings, diagnoses, and recommended treatment. If a routine teeth cleaning is most appropriate, we will typically complete it during this visit. However, if scaling and root planing are recommended, we may need to reschedule for another visit to have adequate time for this procedure. Routine teeth cleanings cannot be guaranteed for a new patient appointment and are based on your periodontal readings.

What Is a Dental Exam?

A routine dental exam is a comprehensive checkup that includes screening for oral diseases such as oral cancer, gum health assessment, and a tooth-by-tooth examination. Using the latest Dentsply Sirona CBCT 3D dental x-ray, digital intraoral x-ray sensors, and Intraoral cameras, Dr. Baughman and his team can identify any potential problems before they worsen. 

We will look for signs of cavities, infection, bone loss, and other oral health issues that may affect your teeth or gums. Additionally, Dr. Baughman will examine any existing restorations to ensure they are still in good condition.

Why It’s Important

Visiting the dentist may not always be at the top of our priority list unless we’re feeling pain and soreness. But routine dental exams and teeth cleanings can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease before there are any noticeable symptoms. This way, problems can be discovered early, when they’re still easiest to treat. Routine exams are painless and usually over in 45 minutes or less. 

Our dental health is closely linked with our overall health, which is why regular checkups are so important. Dental infections and issues can spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to serious health problems. Routine oral exams and teeth cleanings will ensure your teeth are strong and healthy. 

Oral Cancer Screening

During your routine dental exam, we also perform an oral cancer screening. When we examine your mouth, throat, and neck, we will evaluate for any signs of mouth cancer. These screenings are important because if caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer is high.

What Is a Routine Teeth Cleaning?

A routine teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth to help prevent decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, sugar, and debris that builds up on the surface of your teeth throughout the day. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated, leading to more serious health problems. 

Tartar, or calculus, is a hardened build-up that accumulates over time from the calcification of dental plaque. The tartar harbors bad bacteria and creates an environment around the teeth that is unhealthy, causing inflammation of the gum and bone that may lead to bone loss. In cases where periodontal bone loss is present, a routine cleaning may not be most appropriate for your condition.

At Clearwater Dentistry, our dental hygienists use state-of-the-art ultrasonic scalers to clean your teeth quickly and effectively. Our hygienists are experienced in working with patients of all ages and provide comprehensive education on proper brushing and flossing techniques. 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. After your teeth cleaning, we may recommend fluoride treatments to help maintain the health of your teeth. Using a fluoride foam or varnish, we can quickly and easily apply the right amount to your teeth. These treatments help reduce cavities and protect your teeth from damage. 

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is a  procedure prescribed by either the Dental Hygienist or the Doctor when periodontal disease is present.  This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gums and around your teeth to make it more difficult for bad bacteria to accumulate and cause bone loss in the future. During this process, we use special instruments to reach into the deeper areas of your mouth and remove any tartar that may have built up on your teeth to protect against periodontal diseases. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. It can cause inflammation of the gums and bone around teeth, loss of teeth, gum recession, abscesses or swellings of the gums, and jawbone deterioration. Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar that harbor bad bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation to the gums and bone surrounding teeth. This inflammation leads to the destruction of the bone and overall bone loss around the affected teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to infection and further damage to your teeth and gums and may affect your overall health. 

Who Is at Risk?

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Additionally, periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

Some risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking or vaping, diabetes, stress, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, hormonal changes, heredity, and certain medications. People who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or immune system disorders are at a higher risk of developing gum disease because these conditions weaken the body’s ability to fight off infection. Additionally, those who smoke are much more likely to develop periodontal issues than non-smokers. 

At Clearwater Dentistry, we can identify any signs of periodontal disease and provide treatment when necessary. With routine dental exams and teeth cleanings, we can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life! 

Things You Can Do At Home

Aside from regular visits to the dentist, oral hygiene is key to preventing oral issues down the road. Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, for 2 minutes, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove any debris or plaque that may have built up between teeth. Clean teeth and gums are essential for a healthy smile!

Summary

• A routine dental exam is a comprehensive checkup that includes screening for oral diseases such as oral cancer, gum health assessment, and a tooth-by-tooth examination.
• Routine dental exams and teeth cleanings are important because they can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease before there are any noticeable symptoms.
• A teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth to help prevent decay and gum disease.
• Scaling and root planing is a procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and smoothing out rough spots on the roots of your teeth to make it more difficult for bacteria to build up again in the future.
• Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. You may be at risk of developing periodontal disease if you:
  • Smoke
  • Suffer from chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease
  • Are under a lot of stress
  • Take certain medications
• Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Frequently Asked Questions