Most dentist visits start with a dental cleaning and an exam by the dentist.  Regular visits to the dentist help you keep your mouth healthy and are a critical part of your preventative health care routine. 

At Utley Dental, you can expect a professional gentle dental cleaning and a thorough exam by the dentist. Your visit will consist of two main parts, the cleaning and the exam.

Cleaning

Cleanings are usually performed by the hygienist. The hygienists at Utley Dental pride themselves on gentle but thorough cleaning.  Their goal is to make you love coming to see the dentist!

When you have a cleaning, you can expect to have your teeth restored to their best possible state through scraping, brushing, and flossing. Here is what to expect at a dental cleaning:

• The hygienist will start by cleaning your teeth with small metal dental tools designed to remove plaque and tartar. 
• Then, your teeth are cleaned using a medical grade electric toothbrush and stains or deposits are removed from your teeth.
• The hygienist will floss your teeth next and make sure any plaque or tartar is removed completely.
• If needed, the fluoride treatment comes next which helps prevent tooth decay.  A gel or foam is painted onto your teeth for this treatment.
• The dentist or hygienist may give you tips and tricks to keep your mouth healthy, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Dental Exam

The second part of a routine checkup is the dental exam.  This is different than the cleaning because this checks the health of your mouth and determines if there is any reason to have a follow up visit with your doctor.  

The dental exam is very important because some systemic diseases display symptoms in the mouth prior to any other indications.  The diseases that can manifest in the mouth first include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and oral cancer.

If there is any cause for concern, the dentist will recommend that you follow up with the right health care provider for further evaluation. 

When you have a dental exam, you can expect the following:

• The dentist will examine your overall health and oral hygiene.
• Tooth decay, root decay and gum or bone disease is looked for.
• Your bite and jaw will be examined for any problems.
• If indicated, a dental x-ray or other diagnostic procedures will be taken.

During the dental exam, other factors risking the health of your teeth will be discussed, such as the risk of diabetes contributing to gum disease or medications that cause dry mouth which contributes to tooth decay. 

If you have a change in your health, please make sure to let the dentist know so you can discuss the best ways to keep your oral health stellar.  

Dental x-rays

Sometimes, a dental x-ray is indicated.  These scans help the dentist see detailed images of sections of your teeth.  This helps the dentist find tooth decay between teeth, or in hard to see areas.  

Dental x-rays are performed with a very low level of radiation, so your exposure is very low.  However, if you have any concerns with this procedure, please make sure to talk to the dentist prior to the x-ray.

Here is what to expect during an x-ray:

• A very thick lead apron will be placed on your chest area for protection from unnecessary radiation.
• You will be asked to bite down on a small piece of plastic.
• The hygienist or dentist will put a scanner outside your mouth and then take a picture of the area.
• Sometimes, this process will be repeated until the dentist has enough information about your teeth.  

Our hygienists will try to make this process as comfortable as possible.  X-rays are an important part of a dentist’s diagnostic tools but will be used when needed.  

Results of the Dental Exam

After your cleaning and exam, the dentist will review with you the results of the examination and discuss your oral health, whether that means you are good to go, or if you have some problems that need to be addressed.

We will be happy to discuss ways that you can maintain and improve your oral health. We will also recommend a time for a follow up visit with Utley Dental.  Scheduling the next visit right away helps everyone keep a regular schedule for care. 

If you need an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam, call us today!