(215) 677-2401Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings – Philadelphia, PA
Good Call to Prioritize Your Oral Health
Even though dental checkups and teeth cleanings are one of the most well-known reasons to visit your dentist, some people may not realize why they matter so much. Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease tend to be difficult for you to notice early on in their development. Being proactive about discovering and treating these issues can save you a lot of time and money over the long haul.
While brushing and flossing at home is crucial, it alone is not quite enough to keep your smile as healthy as possible. It’s a good call to prioritize your oral health, and an essential part of that is to schedule a dental checkup in Philadelphia every six months with us here at Dentex Dental. Keep reading to learn more or call us to schedule an appointment!
Why Choose Dentex Dental Of Philadelphia For Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings?
- Multiple Experienced Dentists Ready To Help You
- Evening & Saturday Appointments Available
- Dental Insurance Is Proudly Accepted
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
When your mouth feels fine, it may be tempting to skip out on your dental visit. But it’s just not worth the risk. A cleaning will remove plaque that could eventually cause a cavity. More importantly, the preventive dentistry exam may detect a cavity that needs treatment before you require a root canal and crown. The good news is dental insurance nearly always covers two checkups and cleanings per year while fillings and other restorative procedures may only be partially covered.
Also, consider that routine dental visits can prevent dental emergencies such as throbbing toothaches. Poor oral health is linked to overall health issues like heart disease and diabetes, so simply undergoing two quick dental visits per year really can be a time, money, and pain-saving decision.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
As part of a dental checkup, your dentist in Philadelphia and their staff will:
- Visually examine your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and overall bite.
- Screen the soft tissues in your mouth for oral cancer.
- Take X-rays (usually once per year) to detect problems under the surface.
- Create a treatment plan if any issues are spotted.
- Answer any questions you may have about treatment or at-home oral care.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Aspects of a teeth cleaning in Philadelphia include:
- The dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar that have built up on and between your teeth and along your gumline. This reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
- Your teeth will be polished which can clear away minor surface stains.
- Your teeth will also be flossed.
- Fluoride treatment is available after the cleaning to strengthen enamel and prevent future tooth decay.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
One of the dentists at Dentex Dental Group can usually complete a regular dental exam in about ten to fifteen minutes, but the actual time can vary significantly depending on the needs of the patient. This exam will include a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues as well as a screening for symptoms of oral cancer. Our dentist will also inspect your teeth for signs of infection and misalignment and take the time to answer any questions you have about your oral health, treatment, or hygiene habits. We’ll also evaluate the state of any existing dental work such as fillings or dental crowns, so please remember to bring any removable appliances such as dentures with you.
How long does a regular dental cleaning take?
If you don’t have any signs of gum disease, our staff may be able to complete your cleaning in about thirty minutes. However, a patient who has symptoms of gum disease or excessive tartar buildup may require a deep cleaning that requires multiple appointments. If you wish to reduce how long your dental cleaning takes, be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene every day, brush and floss before arriving at our office, and attend regular checkups and cleanings at our Philadelphia office every six months.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleanings?
Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in many natural waterways and healthy foods, and it possesses the remarkable ability to reinforce dental enamel, prevent stains, and kill harmful oral bacteria. We may recommend topical fluoride treatment at the end of your checkup to reinforce your teeth and prevent decay. This procedure usually takes only a moment and involves our dentist carefully brushing fluoridated gel or foam over your teeth. Remember to refrain from eating for an hour after receiving fluoride treatment.
How often should I receive oral cancer screenings?
Our general dentist will conduct a brief but thorough oral cancer screening at each of your checkups. This process will only take a few minutes and allows your oral health professional to check for signs of abnormal tissue growth and refer you to an appropriate specialist if anything concerning is detected. Your oral cancer screening will probably involve our dentist feeling about your face and throat for unusual bumps as well as visually inspecting your oral tissues for irregular blemishes. If we refer you to a specialist, it does not mean you certainly have oral cancer, only that we wish to make certain that you don’t.