Teeth Cleaning & Exams Professional

Twin City Dental Group

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Uhrichsville, OH

Regular dental cleanings are one of the most important things you can do for your oral health, but many people dread and even avoid them. However, with an experienced dentist, a stellar team of hygienists, and a welcoming, supportive environment, a dental cleaning doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. Randal Garvey, DDS, FAGD, and the team at Twin City Dental Group have made it their mission to provide the most patient-friendly experience in the Uhrichsville, Ohio, community. Dr. Garvey is one of Ohio’s most trusted and credentialed dentists and has served as chairman and board member of several medical review boards throughout his career. For an appointment, call his helpful staff today or use the online scheduling tool.

Teeth Cleaning & Exams Q & A

Why do I need a dental cleaning?

There’s a long list of reasons that it’s recommended you get a dental cleaning every six months. Regular dental cleanings are the foundation of modern dental care because they allow your dentist to perform diagnostic and preventive care that can save you untold time, discomfort, and money in the long run.

During a dental cleaning, Dr. Garvey is able to check for early signs of a number of dental and orthodontic issues. He evaluates your gum tissue, looks for signs of oral cancer or tooth decay, and examines any changes to your bite or the alignment of your teeth. The more often you get a cleaning, the better your chances of catching and treating any dental health problems as early as possible.

Dr. Garvey also performs a number of preventive services to keep your teeth healthy during a cleaning, including removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and applying fluoride. Plus, a regular checkup helps reinforce positive oral health habits like brushing and gives Dr. Garvey a chance to address any questions you may have.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

Most dental cleanings follow a similar pattern, but Dr. Garvey and his experienced team of hygienists can make adjustments depending on your individual needs. The first step is a physical exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or any other obvious problems.

Next, your hygienist uses dental tools, high-powered toothbrushes, and floss to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and give them a deep cleaning. Once your teeth are clean, the hygienist treats them with fluoride to help protect them. To do this, they spray a foamy, flavored paste into a mouthpiece, which you place around your teeth for about one minute. The hygienist sometimes takes dental X-rays as part of your dental cleaning.

What is a dental X-ray?

Digital radiography, also known as a dental X-ray, uses low levels of radiation to produce an image of your interior teeth and gums so that Dr. Garvey can evaluate your oral health. Dental X-rays have a wide variety of uses but are most often helpful in identifying problems like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.

Typically, dental X-rays are performed yearly, but this can vary depending on your age and overall level of oral health. The specific procedure for dental X-rays changes based on which part of your mouth is being X-rayed; you may be asked to turn your head or bite down on a special piece of plastic, but there’s no pain or discomfort to worry about.

If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in the last six months, call Twin City Dental Group today or make an appointment online.