Cleanings And Exams In Saint Paul, MN

Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and regular dental cleanings and exams are pivotal. Many people need to pay more attention to the importance of these routine visits, not realizing they are the cornerstone of preventive dentistry. Cleanings and exams are essential components of preventive dental care.

During a cleaning, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities. They also polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile looking brighter.

Regular dental exams involve a thorough assessment by the dentist in Saint Paul, MN, to check for signs of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. X-rays may be taken to detect hidden problems.

These routine visits maintain oral health and allow early detection and treatment of potential issues, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy for the long term.

The Process of Dental Cleaning and Dental Exam

Dental Cleaning Process

A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is crucial to maintaining good oral health. It involves several meticulous steps a dental hygienist performs to ensure your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned and free from plaque and tartar buildup.

The process typically begins with a physical examination of your entire mouth. Using a small mirror, the hygienist checks for any signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues. This initial assessment helps them tailor the cleaning procedure to your specific needs.

Next, the hygienist uses specialized dental tools to perform scaling. This involves carefully removing plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of your teeth, including those hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line. Scaling is crucial because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can harden into tartar if not removed promptly, leading to gum inflammation and tooth decay.

After scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth using a gritty paste and a high-powered electric brush. This step smooths out tooth surfaces, removes surface stains, and makes it more difficult for plaque to adhere to your teeth in the future. Polishing not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also contributes to overall oral hygiene by reducing plaque buildup.

Following polishing, the hygienist flosses between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or polishing paste. This step removes all debris from your mouth, leaving your teeth and gums clean and refreshed.

Sometimes, the hygienist may apply fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. The treatment may be a gel, foam, or varnish applied directly to your teeth and left on for a short time. Contact us today to learn more.

Dental Exam Process

A dental exam is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by our dentist to assess your oral health and detect potential dental issues. This examination is crucial for early detection and prevention of dental problems that could lead to more extensive treatments.

During the exam, our dentist reviews your medical history and discusses any changes in your health or medications since your last visit. This information helps them understand how your overall health may impact your oral health.

Then, using a small mirror and dental instruments, our dentist thoroughly examines your teeth and gums. They check for signs of cavities, gum disease (such as gingivitis or periodontitis), and other oral health issues. They also look for abnormalities in your bite, tooth alignment, and the condition of dental restorations such as fillings or crowns.

X-rays may be taken during the exam to provide a more detailed view of your teeth and the structures of your mouth. X-rays help our dentist detect hidden issues such as tooth decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and problems with the roots of your teeth.

An essential part of the dental exam is the oral cancer screening. Our dentist examines your lips, tongue, throat, gums, and the inside of your cheeks for any signs of oral cancer or precancerous lesions. Early detection of oral cancer is critical for successful treatment and improved outcomes.

After the examination, our dentist will discuss their findings with you and recommend any necessary treatments or preventive measures. They may provide personalized oral hygiene instructions, dietary advice for better oral health, and recommendations for dental products to use at home.

The Benefits of Regular Cleanings and Exams

• Regular cleanings in Saint Paul, MN, remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Cleaning eliminates bacteria that cause tooth decay, reducing the risk of cavities.
• Exams help detect dental issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
• Routine exams include screenings for oral cancer, enhancing early detection and treatment.
• Removing plaque and bacteria during cleanings helps maintain fresh breath.
• Preventive care reduces the need for costly dental treatments later.
• Good oral health is linked to overall health, reducing risks of heart disease and other systemic conditions.
• Dentists provide personalized advice on oral hygiene and diet for better oral health.
• Starting early with cleanings and exams sets up lifelong oral health habits for children.

Dental cleanings and exams are essential components of preventive dental care that contribute to maintaining optimal oral health. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to schedule your regular dental checkup and cleaning to prevent dental issues before they start.