Dental Exams and Cleanings in Newburyport, MA
One of the most essential components of proper oral care is preventive treatment. These are procedures meant to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong and stop conditions like tooth decay and gum disease from developing.
Out of all of the preventive treatments available, the most common and necessary is the basic exam and cleaning. At Newburyport Family Dental, we perform some of the most comprehensive exams and cleanings in Newburyport, MA using the latest techniques and treatments.
What Is an Exam?
During a dental exam, our dentist will take x-rays of your mouth and jaws and inspect the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues. This is a visual and tactile inspection, and we use tools like picks and mirrors to search for damage, decay, or signs of disease.
The majority of exams take less than ten minutes. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends everyone receive an exam twice a year to promote optimal oral health.
What Is a Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is when our dentist or hygienist removes all of the plaque, which builds up on the surface of the teeth and gums. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria left behind by food and drink. To remove it, we use a broad range of tools, including picks, brushes, and mirrors.
Just like exams, the ADA recommends receiving a cleaning twice a year to eliminate plaque that is not being removed by regular brushing and flossing.
The Benefits
Exams and cleanings are essential because they give our oral healthcare providers an idea of your health and what is normal for you. When something changes, it is easier to notice, and we can provide you with treatment sooner.
Exams and cleanings further serve as an essential preventive procedure, since we can remove bacteria before it causes cavities, infections, and gum disease.
These visits also give us a chance to build a relationship with you and address any concerns you may have about the health of your smile.
If you are looking for a dentist that offers exams and cleanings near you, schedule an appointment today to see us at Newburyport Family Dental in Newburyport, MA. We accept new patients and will be glad to see you even if you haven’t visited a dentist in years.