Dental Checkups and Cleanings in Harrisonburg, VA
Dental Checkups and Cleanings Near You
Breaking Down Two Common Treatments
Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for identifying various tooth and gum problems before they turn into something more serious. If you’re looking to book a consultation or you want to set up your next appointment, contact our skilled dentists near you, Dr. David Curtin and Dr. Sarah Janowski.
What's a Dental Checkup?
During a dental checkup, a dentist in Harrisonburg, VA, will examine your smile to ensure it’s healthy and you’re not experiencing any problems. Here’s what you can expect when you attend this type of appointment:
- Exam: Your dentist studies your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of gingivitis or decay. They may also check your jaw alignment.
- X-Rays: Sometimes, X-rays are required to spot hidden problems like damaged tooth roots, impacted teeth, or bone deterioration.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Your dentist might do a quick screening for signs of oral cancer, which is usually painless and only takes a few seconds.
- Discussion: If any issues are found, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatments and preventative measures you can implement at home.
What's a Dental Cleaning?
Cleanings are done by a dental hygienist. The primary purpose of this treatment is to remove debris that at-home brushing and flossing can’t. It is a painless process that can be done in about an hour:
- Scaling: Your hygienist will remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth. Tartar can only be removed with professional instruments—brushing alone won’t do it!
- Polishing: Next, your teeth are polished with a gritty toothpaste and an electric brush which effectively gets rid of surface stains.
- Flossing: Though it’s still advised to floss at home, a professional flossing session is much more thorough.
- Fluoride Treatment: Some cleanings include a fluoride rinse or gel to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride encourages the remineralization of phosphate and calcium.
Why are Checkups and Cleanings Important?
There are many advantages to attending biannual dental appointments, including, but not limited to:
- Regular cleanings remove plaque buildup, a major cause of cavities, infection, and gum inflammation.
- Catching problems early on means less expensive treatments are needed in the future.
- Cleanings get rid of discoloration, making your smile look brighter.
- Good dental health is linked to good cardiac health and lower risks of systemic diseases.
Staying consistent with your dental checkups and cleanings is a small investment of time for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Come By Blue Stone Hills Dentistry Today
Is it time to book your next appointment? If you’re ready to get started, please call our local dental clinic today! We’ll help you set up a visit to receive a dental checkup and cleaning near you on a date that works best with your schedule. Our team is excited to collaborate with you and ensure your smile is in good condition for many years!
Find us easily on the Google map and plan your visit today!
