Cleanings & Exams NE Portland ORWhether it has been six months or six years, there is no wrong time to schedule a dental exam. A dental exam with our dentists in NE Portland OR offers several benefits and opportunities for continuing care. Most of us are aware of what steps we should be taking to ensure our health remains intact. In the increasingly busy world that we live in, it can often prove difficult to keep up with these steps. Oral wellness is an important part of general wellness and does often seem to be an area of health that many patients neglect. A routine examination by our dentists is one of the easiest ways to identify any problems with the mouth in the earliest stages. There are several additional benefits to a routine dental exam. The Importance of Regular Dental ExamsMany people believe that unless they experience pain in a tooth or think that something is wrong with their mouth or teeth, there is no need to visit the dentist. With regular oral health care, pain, and other concerns can be largely avoided. A schedule of regular dental visits can help with the identification and diagnosis of issues early on. This can prevent the patient from having to undergo one or more restorative dental procedures. Some of the concerns that a dental exam can identify early include cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. The identification and treatment of these health concerns in their earliest stages can increase the potential for a successful treatment plan. For example, advanced gum disease is harder to treat than when it is identified early on. How Often Should Dental Exams Be Scheduled?Generally speaking, patients in good dental health should visit us every six months. Patients who have specific risks for dental issues and periodontal disease may need a personalized treatment schedule to address these issues. The frequency of your exams and dental appointments will be based upon the health of your gums and teeth, and on the potential risk you have for developing future issues. What to Expect During a Dental ExamThe dental examination will be performed by one of our dentists, with the assistance of one or more dental assistants. Our dental hygienist will also offer treatment if it is time for your professional cleaning. You will be asked to share your medical history, including any medications or homeopathic treatments that you are taking. You will need to share any allergies, and whether you are a smoker, as these things can affect your oral and general health. X-rays are an important part of your dental wellness. They are used to identify dental abnormalities that may not otherwise be visible alone. The radiation exposure is very low, but be sure to mention any concerns that you have about it with us. A thorough examination of each of your teeth and your surrounding gums will be conducted, with your dentist making note of each issue that may need to be addressed with one or more procedures. The results of the imaging and the examination will be used to formulate a recommended treatment plan. What is a Deep Cleaning?A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure performed to treat periodontal disease. It is a non-surgical method to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from below the gum line and smooth out rough spots on the tooth roots to help prevent further plaque buildup. During cleanings, our dental team will use special tools to carefully clean the surfaces of the teeth and roots, reaching areas that are not accessible with regular brushing and flossing. This process may require more than one visit to complete, depending on the severity of the gum disease. Oral Cancer ScreeningsA benefit that many may not be aware of is that dental exams provide an opportunity for your dentist to screen for oral cancer. Oral cancer can spread rapidly if left unchecked. Early diagnosis can prove beneficial as oral cancer is very treatable. Cleanings & Exams in NE Portland ORRoutine dental exams and dental cleanings can very often be the key difference between a future of invasive procedures and a future of easy checkups. Schedule your exam with one of our dentists at Periodontal Associates. Call (971) 317-8414 to make an appointment in NE Portland. |