Dental Hygiene / Exams
Excellent oral hygiene is a necessary part of preventing dental issues and diseases. While great at-home habits are important, they are often not enough to prevent problems from developing. Combining daily care with bi-annual cleanings and exams is the best way to keep you and your family’s smiles happy and healthy.
How Often Should I Come in for a Visit?
Dr. Tom Semans recommends patients come in for a cleaning and exam every six months. Depending on a patient’s health and medical history, he may recommend more frequent visits for some. Visiting our office for regular appointments is one of the best ways to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and disease-free.
Dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, can develop quickly. That is why it is so important to check for signs of potential oral health problems frequently. The sooner we can identify an issue, the easier it will be to provide treatment.
What Does a Cleaning Include?
During the first part of your visit, one of our skilled hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. Over time, plaque and tartar naturally build up on the surface of your teeth. Ignoring this build-up can lead to gum recession and tooth decay. By carefully removing plaque and tartar from your enamel, we can keep your mouth healthier between appointments.
While your hygienist is cleaning your teeth, they will also check for signs of potential health problems. These signs can include:
- Discoloration
- Decay
- A receding gum line
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Unusual bumps
During the cleaning, your hygienist may also recommend a fluoride application to help strengthen your enamel. By the end, your mouth will feel clean and healthy!
What Does Dr. Semans Look for During an Exam?
After your cleaning, Dr. Semans will begin his examination of your mouth. He will check your teeth, gums, throat, face, and other oral structures for signs of disease or decay. This exam may include taking intraoral photos of your gums and throat to help him examine any hidden or hard-to-see areas of your mouth.
Depending on your health and medical history, he may also take digital X-rays of your mouth to ensure your jawbones and teeth are in good shape. Digital X-rays are environmentally-friendly and use less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them safer and more affordable.
During your examination, Dr. Semans will check for:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Inflammation
- Oral cancer
- TMJ disorder
- Worn teeth
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
We understand the importance of finding, diagnosing, and treating potential problems as early as possible. Prevention and early diagnoses are especially important when addressing oral cancers. Dr. Semans and our team check for oral cancer during every exam.
If you would like to learn more about our professional cleanings and exams, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (330) 867-4461, send us an email, or schedule an appointment online. We would be happy to answer all of your questions!