A dental hygiene exam keeps your smile bright and healthy by allowing the entire dental team to catch small problems before they become painful, costly emergencies. This routine visit serves as a reset button for your oral health, removing the buildup that daily brushing alone cannot reach. Here is what you can expect at least twice a year during your exam.
A routine dental hygiene exam begins with a health update. Whether this is the patient's first appointment or the first in a while, this portion of the exam is integral to guiding preventive treatment plans. The dental assistant will ask about lifestyle habits, such as smoking, underlying health conditions, like diabetes, and any areas of concern, such as sore spots in the gums or bad breath that returns quickly or does not improve after brushing.
Once the health update is complete, the dentist takes a close look at the teeth and the soft tissues surrounding them. They use special tools to check for signs of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and tartar, which is plaque that has hardened over time. They also check the small spaces between the teeth and gums, which helps determine the presence of gum disease.
Of course, the naked eye cannot catch everything. Modern technology, such as digital X-rays, allows the team to identify small problems while they are still minor and easy to fix. These images show the health of the roots and the density of the jawbone. Note that this phase is not necessary multiple times a year; it is only for new patients, those who have not visited in a while, and those with a dental emergency, such as a tooth fracture.
The cleaning portion of the visit involves scaling away tartar from the teeth, as a standard toothbrush cannot remove it. A dental hygienist uses precise instruments to gently remove (or scale) this buildup from the front, back, and sides of every tooth with minimal discomfort to the patient. Scaling leaves the enamel feeling smooth and significantly reduces the risk of new cavities in hard-to-reach areas. Next, the hygienist uses a motorized polishing tool with a gritty paste to remove surface stains from coffee, tea, or food. This step gives the smile a radiant glow and makes it much harder for new bacteria to stick to the polished surfaces.
After the evaluation and cleaning, the dentist will review their findings with the patient. This involves an in-depth discussion about areas of improvement and what the patient is doing well. The dentist will also discuss techniques and home care products that could better suit the patient's specific oral health needs. This final phase sets the trajectory of care between visits and determines the best time for the patient's next exam.
Routine dental hygiene exams are the most reliable way to avoid dental emergencies and keep a smile looking its best. Is it time for your next exam? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northgrovedental.com or call North Grove Dental at (864) 504-6224 for an appointment in our Spartanburg office.
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