Dental Exams and Cleanings in Petaluma, CA
Expert dentist providing dental cleaning services in Petaluma

 

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A dental exam is a professional checkup of your teeth and gums. During a routine exam, your dentist will check your overall oral health and look for problems, including infection, decay, caries, injuries, fractures, and much more.

Regular dental exams and cleaning are a critical part of preventative oral care.

Petaluma Dental Group offers affordable dental exams and cleanings to all its patients in Petaluma, CA.

Why and When to Have a Dental Exam

Regular exams can not only protect your oral and dental health but may also impact your overall well-being. For example, certain conditions such as diabetes, lupus, and arthritis first show up in the mouth.

If your dentist notices any signs of such conditions, he or she will suggest that you see a doctor for further treatment. Regular exams also allow the dentist to offer homecare tips and advice for optimal dental health.

Dental Exam and Cleaning at Petaluma Dental Group

There are usually two main parts to a regular dental exam. The first part is the dental checkup that will be performed by one of our qualified dentists. The second part may involve a professional dental cleaning.

During an exam, your dentist and hygienist will:

  • Evaluate your oral hygiene and overall health (diabetes, for example, increases the risk of gum disease)
  • Evaluate your risk for tooth decay, infection, and gum disease
  • Evaluate your need for tooth replacement, repair, or restoration
  • Remove stains or deposits on your teeth during the cleaning
  • Check your bite and jaw for dental problems
  • Demonstrate proper cleaning procedures and assess for a fluoride treatment

In addition, our dental team will check for loose or ill-fitting dental prosthetics and suggest adjustments if needed. A pediatric dentist will check to see if your child’s teeth are developing normally.

Cleaning procedures usually involve professional flossing and brushing with a special electric toothbrush. This helps remove plaque or tartar deposits on tooth surfaces.

Contact us in Petaluma, CA, today and make an appointment for a professional dental exam.

FAQs

Do dental cleanings help prevent gum disease?

Yes. Cleanings remove deposits that collect around the teeth and near the gums over time. When these deposits are left undisturbed, they can irritate gum tissue and contribute to problems that may affect gum health.

Are dental X-rays necessary during routine exams?

Not every visit requires X-rays. Your dentist may recommend them when a closer look is needed beneath the surface of the teeth or gums, especially in areas that cannot be evaluated during a visual examination alone.

What are the signs that I may need a dental cleaning?

You may benefit from a cleaning if your teeth feel coated, your gums bleed while brushing, or you notice ongoing bad breath. Even without obvious symptoms, professional cleanings help address buildup that develops gradually.

Can dental exams help identify other health conditions?

In some cases, changes inside the mouth can provide clues about overall health. During an exam, a dentist may notice unusual findings and recommend discussing them with the appropriate healthcare provider when necessary.

How can professional cleanings improve my oral health?

Professional cleanings focus on removing stubborn deposits that routine brushing and flossing may miss. Many patients also appreciate the smoother feel of their teeth and the opportunity to receive personalized hygiene recommendations.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning is typically performed to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning involves treating areas below the gumline and may be recommended when there are signs of infection or gum-related concerns.

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