Dental Check Ups and Cleanings

General dentistry services, like exams and professional cleanings, are the foundation on which a healthy smile is built. At Wexford Dental Arts, we recognize the importance of such care provided in our office in combination with your oral hygiene habits at home to maintain your oral health.

We complete a thorough assessment of your unique case and may recommend additional preventive treatments as well. We strive to help patients of all ages maintain good oral health, which is an important component of your overall health.

Have more than six months passed since your last dental checkup? If so, call our office today to schedule an appointment and get back on track.

Routine Preventive Care: At the Dentist and Home

A routine check-up typically consists of two things: professional teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) and dental exams.

A professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist removes any plaque or tartar that has accumulated on your teeth since your last cleaning. Keep in mind that plaque and tartar can build up even if you brush and floss as directed, and tartar can only be removed using professional-grade instruments.

These cleanings are instrumental to keep your teeth as clean as possible and minimize the presence of potentially harmful oral bacteria.

In the dental exam, the dentist will inspect your teeth and gums, looking for signs of problems like cavities and gum disease. The dental exam also includes an oral cancer screening, and we will take annual x-rays to see areas of the teeth that are otherwise not visible during the exam.

The care that you receive at Wexford Dental Arts only goes so far to protect your smile, though. To optimize your oral health, you must practice good oral hygiene habits at home, too. At a minimum, patients should:

• Brush twice each day, for two minutes at a time. Use a soft-bristled brush that is no more than 3-4 months old, and apply just enough pressure – not too much, not too little.
• Floss daily, ideally before one of your brushing sessions.
• Eat a tooth-friendly diet. Limit sweets, especially sticky ones, and enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for good nutrition.

Additional Preventive Treatments

In certain situations, patients may need additional interventions beyond standard preventive checkups if there is some need for greater protection for the tooth. We may recommend one of the following:

Dental Sealants

A protective coating is applied to teeth that are particularly vulnerable to decay. This treatment is often helpful in preventing issues in children’s teeth.

Dental Fillings

Small restorations are placed to fill in for tooth material that has been removed due to being affected by a cavity.

If you have any specific concerns and feel that you would benefit from one of these supplemental treatments, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for more information.

Dentistry for All Ages

At Wexford Dental Arts, we are committed to caring for the smiles of our patients throughout their lifespans. And yes, you can keep your biological teeth for your entire life with proper care!

We recognize that children have unique needs for dental care, and we consider those needs for our pediatric patients. We use gentle techniques to put patients at ease, and we partner with parents to make sure that children know what to expect.

Parents may need guidance on how to best care for their child’s teeth, and we are happy to provide any education and information that will benefit your child. If you have any questions about maintaining your child’s healthy smile, ask one of our knowledgeable staff members.

Common General Dentistry Questions