When you have a dental exam every six months, this can help us identify oral health concerns in the earliest stages and keep smiles healthy and whole! Which is why we recommend seeing our team twice a year. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about the importance of our checkup and cleaning appointments.
The Dental Exam
The dental exam benefits people of all ages. We recommend one every six months for kids and adults alike, and this involves our team taking a close look at your teeth, gums, roots, and oral structures with advanced digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. These systems enable us to make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. We can then identify problems in the early stages, often before you experience any discomfort. For kids, we can also help instill good oral health habits and help them better understand the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
The Cleaning Process
In the same appointment, our team will also clean the teeth. The procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick so we can gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. This buildup occurs when harmful oral bacteria consume the trapped particles of sugar from the foods and drinks we consume. This creates a sticky layer of plaque that hardens into tartar with time, and is linked to a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and teeth stains. The removal process only takes a few minutes, and we polish the teeth afterward. The polishing process not only brightens your smile, but makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the teeth before your next cleaning appointment.
Oral Cancer Screenings
For adults, we will also provide an oral cancer screening. Our team will use advanced technology to look for signs of cancerous or precancerous tissues, and may recommend a biopsy if we find sores, lesions, rough patches, and areas of red and white splotches. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely your recovery is. Despite being treatable, the disease has a high mortality rate because people rarely catch it early, but a routine checkup twice a year means we can screen for the disease at a regular pace.
If you have any questions about how we safeguard smiles of all ages with our checkups and cleanings, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy your best smiles!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PREVENTIVE VISITS?
Our team wants to help you enjoy good oral health and a beautiful smile. To find out more about checkups and cleanings, you can call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585.
