What to Expect at Your First Dental Exam and Cleaning?
Visiting your local dentist for a professional dental exam and cleaning is one of the best ways to maintain oral health. But if you’ve never had this routine preventative care or it’s been a while, you may wonder what the appointment entails. Read on for more details on what you can expect during your visit to the dentist for X-rays, a dental cleaning, and a comprehensive exam.
What will the dentist look for during the exam?
Your dentist will thoroughly check the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and other mouth tissues. They will check for signs of:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Problems with existing dental work
- Jaw joint pain
- Bad breath
- Discolored or stained teeth
The goal is to spot issues early while they are still minor and much easier to treat. They are waiting, leading to more complex problems.
What tools and procedures should you expect during the cleaning?
A dental cleaning near me starts with plaque and tartar removal above and below the gumline. The hygienist uses specialized instruments to clean all tooth surfaces and pockets meticulously. This may include:
- Metal scalers to debride tartar
- Polishing paste with a rubber cup
- Flossing difficult spots
- An ultrasonic device to loosen debris
- Fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth
While slightly time-consuming, this detailed cleaning removes harmful bacteria for healthier gums and whiter teeth between visits.
Will they take x-rays of your teeth?
X-rays allow your dentist in 48329 to see below the surfaces of your teeth. Depending upon your dental history and risk factors, the dentist may recommend bite-wing, periapical, panoramic, or cone beam CT x-rays to check developing problems with:
- Bone loss
- Decay between teeth
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Extent of fractures
X-rays and a clinical exam give your dentist the most complete picture of your oral health.
How long will your first visit take?
For a new patient, expect your dental exam and cleaning in Waterford, MI, to take 60-90 minutes. The dentist will thoroughly review and analyze your medical and dental history before the cleaning and exam begin. The hygienist will then meticulously clean your teeth tooth by tooth, which takes time.
Set aside ample time in your schedule for your first visit. Follow-up exams and cleanings after establishing care take less time, usually around 45-60 minutes, depending on your needs. Communicate any time constraints to your dental team.
Do cleanings hurt or cause discomfort?
Dental cleanings should not be painful, but some sensitivity is normal. You may temporarily experience:
- Sensitivity to too hot or cold food and drinks
- Slight gum soreness
- Minor irritation from anesthesia or instruments
Communicate any discomfort to your hygienist so they can adjust. Avoid extensive rinsing after the cleaning, as this disrupts clotting and prolongs healing. Taking ibuprofen before your visit can also minimize discomfort.
What happens after the exam and cleaning are complete?
Following your visit, the dentist near me will discuss recommended treatment based on any issues discovered during your exam and cleaning. They may suggest:
- Adjusting medications that cause dry mouth
- Filling existing cavities
- Extracting non-restorable teeth
- Custom fluoride trays if you have several cavities
- Scaling and root planing for gum infections
Follow your dentist’s at-home oral hygiene instructions to protect your smile between visits. Consistent exams and dental cleanings every six months will keep your teeth healthy for years.
Ready for a Dental Checkup?
Booking regular preventative dental appointments allows early detection and treatment of minor issues before they become major and costly. Don’t wait until you have discomfort to see your dentist. Schedule an exam with cleaning today at The Waterford Dentist for the bright, confident smile you deserve!