What Happens During Your Checkup And Cleaning?

With the end of the year around the corner and the stressful holiday season soon to begin, you should schedule your last checkup and cleaning visit of 2022! With these visits, you can address concerns that have developed during the year. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about protecting your smile with preventive care.

Your Checkup Visit

When you arrive for a checkup, we will take a very close look at your smile with advanced digital images, including your jaw, roots, and oral structures, in addition to your teeth and gums. The exam is a chance to identify concerns in the earliest stages, often before you even experience discomfort. Our team can then create a treatment plan to correct these concerns and restore health to your smile once again. We will often watch for issues like tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and even gum disease. We’ll look for indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), and also screen for oral cancer. We suggest a visit like this at least once every six months.

Cleaning Your Teeth

In the same visit, our team will also help protect your oral health with a dental cleaning. The process involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all plaque and tartar buildup. The procedure only takes a few minutes, but helps fight bad breath, teeth stains, and even cavities and periodontal issues too. We also complete it by polishing your teeth for a brighter appearance and a smoother finish. This benefits people of all ages, from children and teens to adults and seniors.

Oral Cancer Screenings

We provide oral cancer screenings to diagnose the signs of possible cancerous or precancerous areas early, so, if necessary, you can receive a biopsy and undergo treatment. The earlier the issue is diagnosed, the more likely a full recovery. In fact, oral cancer’s high mortality rate is mainly due to the fact it’s rarely diagnosed early, but annual screenings can help you obtain that early diagnosis. Warning signs could include sore throat, hoarseness, and changes in your voice that don’t stop after two weeks. Sores, lesions, and areas with red and white splotches that don’t heal are cause for concern too. If you encounter these issues, or fit you would like to find out more about checkups and cleanings, then contact our team today to learn more. See us now to use your 2022 dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year!

Talk To Your Cleveland, TX Dentist About Preventive Dentistry

We would love to help you start 2023 on the path to a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information about examining and protecting your smile, then contact your Cleveland, TX, dentist, Dr. Uhrenholdt, by calling (281) 592-1234.