Dental Hygiene Exams in Lakeland, Florida
A healthy and beautiful smile hinges on excellent dental care. Regular biannual visits with our team can help keep your teeth looking good and will enable us to catch any potential problems early.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers can be detected early and treated with diligent dental care routines. Also, some systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease show early symptoms in the mouth, which can be diagnosed and treated with early detection.
Dr. Crosby and his team will keep an eye on your teeth and gum health to give you the best smile possible.
What Will Happen During My Exam?
At your exam, you will meet with one of our friendly and professional hygienists. The first part of your exam will consist of cleaning the teeth and the areas around the gumline. The hygienist will gently scrape away any plaque or debris buildup on the teeth and gums, leaving your teeth healthy and clean. This is a great preventive measure that can stop, and even reverse, gum disease. Working through your mouth, your hygienist will also clean and polish your teeth, all the while checking for signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, or infection.
Next, you will meet with Dr. Crosby, our dentist. The hygienist will pass along any pertinent information or findings from the cleaning to the doctor. During the exam, Dr. Crosby will assess your overall tooth and gum health, and he will examine the jaw muscles, soft tissues, and parts of your throat. The dentist may also want to take X-rays to examine your teeth and jaw further, or simply get a baseline for your teeth.
After your exam, you will spend time talking to Dr. Crosby. Together, you will discuss his findings, as well as possible options for treatment and ongoing care. Sometimes, simply maintaining good dental health at home with regular brushing and flossing is enough to keep your teeth looking great between appointments. We are happy to send you home with a small dental care kit, which includes a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste.
What Are You Checking For?
Both the hygienist and dentist examine your teeth and gums to confirm overall dental health. Together, they will search for signs of cracked or diseased teeth, infection, irritation, or periodontal disease. Your dentist will also look for potential signs of systemic disease, like heart disease or specific tooth and gum diseases.
As part of the exam, your dentist will include:
- Orthodontic evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- Mouth, face, and jaw soft tissue exam
- Periodontal evaluation
By examining your teeth twice per year, our team can help protect your overall health and keep your teeth clean.
Why Regular Dental Exams Matter
Regular dental exams play a key role in maintaining good oral health and preventing serious issues. According to the American Dental Association, routine dental exams and cleanings help detect early signs of decay and disease before they progress.
Benefits of regular visits include:
- Early detection of tooth decay and gum disease
- Monitoring changes in the condition of your teeth
- Identifying signs of oral cancer early
- Preventing long-term dental health complications
- Supporting overall health and wellness
Routine dental exams are an important part of your overall health care routine.
What Can I Do Between Exams?
Because we may only get to see you twice per year, it is essential to practice good dental hygiene at home. Keeping up with regular oral routines between visits is the best way to practice preventive dental care, keep your teeth healthy, and stop potential issues before they have a chance to form.
Remember to brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Although it can be tempting to press extra hard as you brush, consistent light pressure is the best way to encourage a healthy smile. You’ll also want to floss at least once per day to keep your gums healthy.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Dark liquids like sodas, tea, and wine contain chemicals that can cause your white teeth to become stained. Avoid tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco that can further stain the teeth. By practicing good dental hygiene at home, you can keep your teeth looking great between appointments.
Additional Preventive Treatments
In some cases, additional preventive treatments may be recommended during your dental visit:
Fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel
Fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities
Deep cleaning procedures for advanced gum disease
Monitoring wisdom teeth for proper development
These treatments are part of a personalized approach to dental care based on your needs.
How Often Should I Schedule A Dental Exam?
Most patients benefit from scheduling a routine dental exam and dental cleaning every six months. However, some patients with specific dental health concerns may need more frequent visits.
Factors that may affect how often you need dental visits include:
- History of gum disease or periodontal disease
- Risk of cavities or tooth decay
- Overall health conditions
- Oral hygiene habits
A consultation with your dentist helps determine the best schedule for your care.
Benefits Of Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings offer several benefits beyond what daily brushing can achieve:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Help prevent gum disease and tooth decay
- Improve the appearance of your teeth
- Support long-term oral health
- Reduce the risk of future dental problems
Regular cleanings are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Dental Exam And Cleaning Appointment Take?
A routine dental exam and dental cleaning usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The exact time can vary based on your oral health and whether X-rays or additional treatments are needed. Patients with more buildup or specific concerns may need slightly longer appointments.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Exams And Cleanings?
Many dental insurance plans cover routine dental exams and cleanings, often twice per year. Coverage can vary depending on your provider and plan details. It is always a good idea to check your benefits ahead of time so you understand what is included in your dental care.
What Should I Do Before My Dental Appointment?
Before your visit, continue your normal oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. Make a note of any symptoms like sensitivity, bleeding gums, or pain so you can discuss them during your dental exam. Bringing an updated medical history can also help your dentist provide the best care.
What If I Feel Nervous About Visiting The Dentist?
Feeling nervous about dental visits is common. Our team works to create a calm and comfortable environment for every patient. We take time to explain each step of the dental exam and cleaning process so you know what to expect and can feel more at ease during your visit.
How Do I Know If I Need More Than A Routine Dental Exam?
Some patients may need more than a routine dental exam if there are signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental problems. If your dentist notices areas of concern, they may recommend additional treatment or more frequent visits to protect your oral health and prevent complications.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If it has been a while since your last dental exam or cleaning, now is a great time to take the next step. Our team is here to provide gentle, thorough care designed to support your oral health and overall health.
Call Crosby Dentistry today at (863) 204-2782 to schedule an appointment and keep your smile healthy and strong for years to come.