Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams at Our Temple, PA Dentists Office
Regular dental visits are very important to maintaining a healthy mouth. Unfortunately, many dental problems can occur with minimal symptoms and only become symptomatic when the issue is a much bigger problem. With regular teeth cleaning and check-ups, small problems can be addressed before they turn into much bigger issues.
One of the most important aspects of your regular teeth cleaning and exam is an oral cancer screening. A common location for oral cancer is the side of the tongue, an area that can often be overlooked. At Temple Family Dentistry, we ensure this area is thoroughly checked with every examination.
Many people ask, “why is it necessary to have a professional cleaning?” Patients who brush and floss regularly can still develop calculus build-up that is nearly impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone and requires special tools and equipment to remove.
A common question people ask when they come for their routine teeth cleaning are if x-rays are really needed. Radiographs, or X-rays, are an important part of your regular dental visit. The ADA recommends for the average adult to have cavity radiographs every 6-18 months. This allows evaluation of the sides of the teeth that otherwise are not visible and are a common location for cavities. It also allows us to examine bone levels of teeth, which helps in diagnosing periodontal disease, as well as the end of the root, a common location for infected teeth to manifest. Without these radiographs it is almost impossible to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
While most people have heard you should see the dentist 2 times a year, that may not be true for everyone. People with a history of gum disease, or those at a greater risk for either gum disease or cavities, may be given a recommendation to be seen more frequently.
Call our dentists office at (610) 929-4252 to schedule your dental exam.