What Happens During Your Six-Month Visit?

cleveland checkup

We want to see you and your entire family every six months for a checkup and cleaning. While these may seem like minor procedures, this visit is actually important for protecting your teeth and gums from infection and disease. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about what to expect from your exam and dental cleaning, and how this helps your smile.

The Checkup

The checkup portion means we use advanced digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to take clear and detailed images of your smile. We use these images to look for the earliest warning signs of poor oral health, and identify problems before they threaten the stability of your smile. From there, we create a treatment plan to correct them. We may watch for signs of tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis and gum disease. We also look for the indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism, and can help kids by making sure the baby teeth are falling out on schedule and that the permanent teeth arrive correctly.

Traditional Cleanings

During the same visit, our team will clean the teeth. The process means we use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your smile. Doing so helps prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease, as plaque could erode enamel and inflame gum tissues. The process is also linked to fresh breath and brighter teeth too. We complete the process by polishing the teeth too. This procedure is helpful for kids and adults alike!

Oral Cancer Screenings

For our adult patients, we will screen for oral cancer every year. Studies show that over 53,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, but half succumb to the disease within just five years. A major factor in this high mortality rate is the fact that the disease is rarely caught in the early stages. However, a routine screening means we have a greater chance to catch it early, and you have a better chance at a full recovery!

Deep Cleanings

If we find you have signs of gingivitis or gum disease, then we may recommend a deep cleaning, known as a scaling and root planing, to remove all buildup from the teeth and roots. This could take one visit, or up to four. Afterward, we manage periodontal health with a traditional cleaning every three to four months.

Do You Need an Appointment?

To learn more about our routine checkup visits, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327. We want to help you and your family maintain your best smiles!