Teeth Cleanings & Dental Checkups

Regular dental cleanings and checkups are an important part ofmaintaining your oral health. Visiting our office routinely allows ourhygienists and dentists to identify plaque buildup, monitor your teethand gums, look for signs of oral disease, and address potential concernsbefore they become more serious.

Why Are Regular Cleanings and Checkups Important?

Routine preventive care can help support: - Healthy teeth and gums -Early detection of tooth decay and gum disease - Early identification ofchanges or abnormalities in the mouth - Fresher breath - A cleaner,healthier-looking smile - Long-term oral health What to Expect at Your First Checkup New patient appointments may take a little longer because we want tounderstand your dental history, overall health, concerns, and goals.

Your visit may include: Dental and Medical History A member of our team will review your dentaland medical history, including medications and health conditions thatcould affect your dental care.

Digital X-Rays When appropriate, digital X-rays may be taken to help usevaluate areas that cannot be seen during a visual examination. If youhave recent X-rays from another dentist, ask that office to send them toClayton Dental Center before your appointment.

Oral Screening and Dental Examination We will examine your teeth andoral tissues for signs of decay, disease, lesions, and other concerns.

Gum Evaluation Your hygienist will evaluate the health of your gums andmay measure periodontal pockets to look for signs of gum disease.

Professional Teeth Cleaning Plaque, tartar, and surface buildup arecarefully removed from your teeth, including areas that can be difficultto clean effectively at home.

Oral Hygiene Review We will discuss brushing, flossing, and otherhome-care recommendations based on your individual needs.

Preventing Tooth Decay You can reduce your risk of tooth decay by: 1. Brushing twice a day andflossing daily. 2. Keeping regular dental cleaning and examinationappointments. 3. Limiting frequent sugary and acidic foods and drinks.4. Using fluoride products as recommended by your dentist. 5. Followingpersonalized preventive recommendations from your dental team.

Types of Dental and Periodontal Cleanings A routine prophylaxis is the professional cleaning commonly recommendedfor patients with healthy gums.

Patients with heavier buildup or gum disease may need a different typeof treatment, such as: - Full-mouth debridement - Scaling and rootplaning - Periodontal maintenance The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of your teeth andgums.

Cost and Insurance Dental insurance benefits vary by plan. Our team can help you understandyour estimated benefits and expected costs before treatment wheneverpossible.

Call 919-553-5652 to schedule a cleaning and dental checkup.