Routine Dental Exams

Routine Exam

It is important to visit us twice a year for a routine exam. We will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.

What to expect at during your exam:

  • Our dental hygienist will begin to clean your teeth by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) off your teeth with a small metal tool. Then they will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. After they're finished, your teeth will feel smooth, clean, and will sparkle.
  • If it's your first time with us, we may need to take X-rays. The X-rays take only a few minutes. This will help us to insure that your teeth are healthy on the inside as well as on the outside.
    • We will have you put on a heavy apron to shield your body from X-rays. Everyone else in the room will either wear a protective apron or step behind a protective shield.
    • We will have you bite down on a small piece of plastic. This will help align your teeth properly for the machine, and then take a picture of your teeth. We will repeat this process several times to get pictures of all your teeth.
  • If needed, We will put a sealant on the chewing surface of your back teeth to help prevent cavities. Sealants keep food and bacteria from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves of your teeth, and they protect your teeth from plaque.

Prone to Infections?

If you are prone to infections, you may need to take antibiotics before you have any dental work. This includes people who:

  • Have heart valve problems, which put you at risk for endocarditis.
  • Have an impaired immune system.
  • Had recent major surgeries or have man-made body parts, such as an artificial hip or heart valve.