Family Dentistry Services

Dental Cleanings & Exams

Preventative care and maintenance is the first way to protect your smile AND your health. We strive to make your visit with us easy and stress-free every time.

What are Dental Cleanings and Exams?

Dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. During a dental exam, our dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Professional dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line. These regular dental cleanings help to prevent periodontal disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association recommends having dental cleanings and exams twice a year.

Dental cleanings and exams are not just about keeping your teeth clean; they are vital for detecting potential problems early. By catching issues like tooth decay or gum disease early, we can prevent more severe problems down the line. Our thorough preventive exams also include oral cancer screenings to ensure your complete oral health. Regular visits to Maple Park Dental Care help maintain existing tooth restorations and keep your smile looking its best.

Types of Dental Cleanings and Exams

At Maple Park Dental Care we offer different types of dental cleanings and exams to suit your needs. Each is designed to cover different areas of your oral health.

Routine Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)

For patients with healthy gums. Our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line and then polish your teeth to give you a shiny smile.

Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)

For patients with gum disease. Deep cleanings are required. This involves cleaning below the gum line and smoothing out the tooth and root surfaces to remove bacteria and promote healing.

Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings

After periodontal treatment, these cleanings are necessary to prevent gum disease from coming back. More frequent visits and targeted cleaning techniques.

Oral Cancer Screenings

As part of our comprehensive dental exams, these screenings help detect early signs of oral cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

Benefits of Dental Cleanings and Exams

Cleanings and exams have benefits beyond a pretty smile. They are essential for your overall health and well-being.

  • Tooth Decay Prevention: Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can cause cavities. By catching tooth decay early we can prevent bigger problems.
  • Gum Disease Detection: Gum disease can sneak up on you. Exams help detect early signs of gum disease so we can treat it before it gets worse.
  • Oral Cancer Detection: Our thorough exams include oral cancer screenings which can detect cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.
  • Healthy Teeth and Gums: Professional cleanings and exams keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of tooth loss and other complications.
  • Enhancing Overall Health: Oral health is connected to overall health. By keeping your mouth healthy you can reduce the risk of other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Dental Cleaning Procedure at Maple Park Dental Care

Regular dental cleanings and exams are crucial for good oral health. At Maple Park Dental Care we do comprehensive dental cleanings and exams to get your teeth and gums in top shape. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Initial Examination: Our dentist will start with a thorough exam of your teeth and gums. This includes looking for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
  2. Plaque and Tartar Removal: Our hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, above and below the gum line.
  3. Teeth Polishing: After the cleaning, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and give you a sparkling smile.
  4. Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
  5. VELScope Oral Cancer Screening: As part of our comprehensive exams we will do a VELScope oral cancer screening to check for any signs of cancer.
  6. Review and Recommendations: Finally our dentist will review with you and give you recommendations for optimal oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months for optimal oral health. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. Please contact our office or visit our Insurance & Payment page for a full list of accepted plans.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a discussion about your dental health goals. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

How often should I brush my teeth, and what is the proper technique?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. For the best results:

  • Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended as they can efficiently remove plaque by simply guiding the brush while it works on multiple teeth at a time.

How often should I floss, and what is the correct way to do it?

You should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

  • Use about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, with 2 inches of floss between them.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it up and down to clean the side of each tooth and below the gumline.

If you find regular floss difficult to use, floss holders are a helpful alternative.

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

It is generally recommended to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also allow your dentist to catch potential problems early. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your individual needs.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Maple Park Dental Care. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Naperville.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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