Frequently Asked Questions
1.) How often should I have a routine dental exam?
It is important to visit us twice a year for a routine dental exam. We examine both your teeth and your gums, so you can get ahead of tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems.
2.) What happens during a dental exam in Clovis?
Our dental hygienist begins by cleaning your teeth, scraping hard mineral buildup, called tartar, off your teeth with a small metal tool. They then floss your teeth, use a polishing compound and apply fluoride. Afterwards your teeth will feel smooth and clean.
3.) Will I need X-rays?
If it is your first time with us, we may need to take X-rays. They take only a few minutes and help us make sure your teeth are healthy on the inside as well as on the outside.
4.) What precautions do you take during dental X-rays?
You are given a heavy apron to shield your body from the X-rays, and everyone else in the room either wears a protective apron or steps behind a protective shield.
5.) What do I have to do during the X-ray?
You bite down on a small piece of plastic, which helps align your teeth properly for the machine, and a picture is taken. This is repeated several times to get pictures of all your teeth.
6.) What are dental sealants?
If needed, we 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.
7.) Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
Some patients do. 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 that put them at risk for endocarditis, people with an impaired immune system, and people who have had recent major surgery or have man made body parts such as an artificial hip or heart valve. Please tell us about your medical history before your visit.
8.) How do I book a routine dental exam?
Call (559) 299-2168 or fill out the contact form on this page and we will get back to you.