General Dentist in Chicago: Cleanings and Exams
While we are able to complete more complex dental procedures at DentART, we are also board-certified dentists who can serve as your general dentists! We complete regular bi-annual dental cleanings and check-ups to ensure that your teeth stay clean and healthy year-round.
Biannual Exams Provide Much More
Than Just Clean Teeth
Bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease and other conditions. Routine exams can protect your periodontal and overall health. Many exams also include an oral cancer screening.
Your dental team can pinpoint room for improvement in your daily oral hygiene routine based on the state of your smile. They can coach you in choosing more effective products and using them in the most beneficial ways.
Under most insurance plans, six-month exams cost nothing extra, or only require a co-pay that costs less than a tank of gas. Meanwhile, treating minor decay is far less costly than a root canal or, in extreme cases, dental implants.
What does a cleaning involve?
Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings Important?
Scheduling bi-annual dental cleanings are very important for your health for many reasons. You can avoid having cavities by getting tooth decay and tartar cleaned off of your teeth. While keeping a dental routine at home is vital, having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year also aids tremendously in preventative care.
Visiting a dentist for general dental services also helps prevent gum disease. Plaque can build up along the gum line, and if it’s not cleaned properly, it can lead to gingivitis and even more severe oral health issues. Luckily, professional cleanings greatly reduce your risk of gum disease by reducing the amount of plaque. At your appointment, you will also learn about better ways to take care of your teeth and gums.
A dental cleaning can also detect and prevent a slew of other oral health issues such as oral cancer, cavities, wisdom teeth coming in, tooth misalignment, and more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Two short appointments per year can provide lifelong benefits…
What Are Dental Sealants?
At a general dentist appointment, you or your child may be advised to get a dental sealant. While they’re most common for children to receive, adults can receive them as well. During this procedure, a liquid is applied to the groove of a tooth and hardens with the help of a blue light.
This treatment provides an extra layer of protection to the molars and can greatly reduce one’s risk of getting a cavity. At a bi-annual cleaning, your dentist will be able to detect if sealants are needed to prevent cavities.
What Happens during an Exam?
Your dentist will perform a visual exam using an intraoral camera to assess the state of your teeth and gums.
X-rays will allow your dentist to further examine your teeth, dental roots, and jawbone for any signs of decay, fractures, or infection.
Your dentist may conduct an oral cancer screening by visually examining the soft tissues of your mouth or using a special tool to detect abnormalities.
A dental hygienist will carefully remove any plaque and tartar.
Your teeth will be polished using a gritty paste and a special rotary tool.
Your dentist and hygienist can provide any necessary suggestions for more efficient brushing and flossing.
Is there any alternatives to six-month checkups?
Contact Us Today
If it’s been over 6 months since your last dental check-up, or you’re on the lookout for a new dental office, don’t wait to schedule your appointment. Our board-certified, highly trained, and qualified dentists make it their mission to improve your oral health. For a Dentist in South Loop who will do thorough cleanings for the whole family, give us a call!