Your Go-To Dental Team For Dental Cleaning Services
Belmont Dental Group offers top-tier dental examinations and cleanings in Belmont, MA. During your first visit to our cutting-edge facility, a seasoned dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination. Our primary goal is to preserve the health of your teeth and gums, which is why we prioritize conducting thorough dental exams and cleaning services to all our patients. To maintain optimal oral health, it is recommended that patients receive a dental examination at least every six months to ensure the health and longevity of their teeth and gums.
What Is A Dental Exam?
A dental exam is an examination of your teeth and gums that is performed by a dentist and dental hygienist. Also referred to as dental checkups and oral exams, dental exams are used as a preventative measure to ensure optimal oral health.It is recommended that both children and adults undergo a professional dental exam at least once every six months.
Recognize that these exams focus not merely on routine dental cleanings, but also on maintaining overall oral health.
Regular dental exams play a pivotal role in preventing gum disease while identifying early signs of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Early detection can lead to easier and more effective treatment, reducing the risk of more severe dental issues in the future.
During a dental exam, your dentist will:
- Perform a thorough examination of your mouth
- Assess any bite or jaw alignment issues
- Use X-rays for cavity detection
- Screen for oral cancer
- Develop a treatment plan if necessary
Such a comprehensive approach guarantees the best possible condition for your teeth and gums.
What’s Included In A Dental Exam?
At Belmont Dental Group, a comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. Dental exams go beyond routine checkups, acting as preventative measures for optimal oral health. A comprehensive dental exam includes:
The Steps Of A Dental Cleaning
Optimal dental health begins with routine dental cleanings, a multi-step process essential for maintaining a radiant smile. A dental cleaning is usually performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist and will typically include the following steps:
Initial Assessment
Our dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, noting any areas of concern.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using specialized instruments, plaque and tartar buildup is meticulously removed from the teeth surfaces, including along the gumline and between teeth.
Teeth Polishing
After plaque removal, your teeth are polished to eliminate surface stains and create a smooth, shiny finish.
Flossing
Flossing is performed to clean between teeth and remove any remaining debris and plaque.
Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
Some dental cleanings include a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel, remineralize tooth structures, and prevent future tooth decay.
The Importance Of Dental Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings play a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health. By detecting tooth decay, diagnosing gum disease, and identifying other oral health issues early on, these appointments ensure timely intervention and prevention of more significant problems. Don’t overlook the importance of routine checkups—schedule your dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year to safeguard your oral well-being and prevent potential complications.
Preparing For Your Dental Exam
When you book your first dental examination and cleaning at our Belmont, MA office, we want to ensure your visit is seamless. To prepare for your appointment, consider these simple yet essential steps:
Confirm your appointment at least 24 hours in advance
Schedule your subsequent dental checkup before you leave the office to keep up with regular visits
Prepare your medical history
Transfer dental records from previous dentists
Compile a list of current medications
Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth before attending your dental visit. This helps ensure a clean mouth for the examination. Arriving early to your dental appointment allows time to complete any necessary paperwork and discuss any dental questions or concerns with your dentist for preventive care.
Should the visit involve a specific dental procedure, inquire about the duration, the need for accompaniment, and guidelines for post-operative care from your dentist.
Advanced Dental Services: Beyond Basic Cleanings and Exams
In addition to regular dental exams and cleanings, there are advanced dental services that can further enhance your oral health. One such service is fluoride treatments. Delivered in dental offices, these treatments can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities by helping to remineralize enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. Patients with dry mouth, weak enamel, or existing dental restorations may particularly benefit from these treatments.
Dental sealants are another preventive treatment that protects the teeth’s fissures and grooves from decay and can halt the progression of non-cavitated carious lesions. They’re most effective when applied as soon as the permanent molars erupt. Applying sealants is a simple, noninvasive procedure that involves painting the sealant onto the tooth surface without the need for anesthesia and can withstand normal chewing forces for years.
Advanced dental services may also include procedures aimed at treating conditions that require care beyond preventive dental care measures, such as managing gum infections and addressing bone loss.
Maintaining Your Oral Health at Home
But what about maintaining oral health at home?
Dentists recommend:
- Using a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes, employing circular motions to clean each tooth gently
- Proper flossing, which involves using about 18 inches of floss, winding most around one finger and the remainder around the opposite finger, and then guiding the floss between teeth with a gentle rubbing motion.
Enhanced Oral Health
Professionals suggest:
- A diet rich in calcium and phosphorus
- Intake of water and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- Drinking fluoridated water for clean teeth and dry mouth prevention
- Limiting frequent snacking and sugary drinks
- Leading a lifestyle that limits sugar intake and avoids smoking
BEFORE AND AFTER
The Art of Designing Smiles: Jaw-Dropping Dental Transformations!
FAQ’s From Belmont Dental Group
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
