1100 N. Sherman Ave., Suite 103
Naperville, IL 60563
Naperville, IL 60563
When was the last time you came in for a dental exam? The general rule of thumb is to see your family dentist in Naperville, IL twice a year for a cleaning and an exam, and missing these visits can spell trouble in the future. If you haven't had a cleaning in a while, you should contact our office to schedule one right away.
If it has been awhile since you got your teeth cleaned, don’t worry—professional dental exams are nothing to worry about. Here is a step-by-step explanation of what happens during your routine exam.
Depending on your previous dental history, Dr. Weyneth might order dental X-rays before your exam. X-rays are used to detect underlying decay, infections, tooth abnormalities, cavities, gum disease, and even tumors before they cause bigger problems.
Next, one of our dental hygienists will conduct a basic physical exam of your teeth and gums to see if there are certain areas that need to be addressed during the cleaning. Tiny mirrors are used to see behind teeth, and small probes are used to check for inflammation and the depth of gingival pockets.
After your hygienist understands your dental status, they will remove any plaque and tartar they've identified. Your hygienist will use several different dental instruments to gently clean the surfaces of your teeth and the crevices between them. During this step, we will also use an explorer tool to look for cavities and other signs of dental infection.
Your hygienist will then use a high-powered toothbrush and a polishing paste to clean the pellicle film off of the surface of your teeth. This step polishes your teeth and leaves them smooth, shiny, and beautiful. After all of the surfaces of the teeth are polished, the teeth will be rinsed carefully to remove leftover paste.
Next, your hygienist will floss your teeth carefully, paying special attention to how the gums respond to the cleaning. If the gums bleed or ooze during flossing, it may be a sign of an underlying infection that the dentist needs to address.
After the teeth are flossed, you will be given a fluoride treatment to strengthen your dental enamel. Fluoride helps to encourage teeth remineralization, which fends off dental decay.
Before your dental cleaning is officially finished, our Naperville family dentists Dr. Weyneth will come in to look at your teeth and gums. In addition to talking with the hygienist about anything that he noticed during the cleaning, the doctor will also carefully evaluate your teeth, inner cheeks, tongue, gums, and jawbone contours for abnormalities such as discolorations, growths, inflammation, and bony malformations. Our clinician will also talk with you about anything that has been bothering you about your teeth, and whether or not you need additional care. If he spots problems during your cleaning and exam, you may be asked to return to the office to have it addressed.
Professional dental cleanings are crucial to help you to avoid dental decay and to save money in the long run. By being proactive about your dental health, you can avoid the hassles of living with decay—while enjoying beautiful teeth. Make an appointment with Sherman Oaks Dental today.
