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Dental Exam Cambridge OH

Dental Exams & Cleanings

Woman receiving dental exam from gloved dentist

Your Perfect Smile Starts Here

Dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. At Darcy A Wakefield Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide these procedures to patients in Cambridge, OH, and its surrounding areas. Our comprehensive dental exams and thorough cleanings are the key to optimal oral health for patients of all ages.

Dr. Wakefield understands that visiting the dentist can be nerve-wracking, which is why we strive to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent serious oral health issues and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is an evaluation of a patient's oral health by a licensed dental professional. During a dental exam, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They may also take x-rays to check for hidden dental problems.

What is Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a licensed dental professional to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This procedure helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Dental cleanings also include a thorough polishing of the teeth to remove any surface stains.

Steps Involved in Dental Exams and Cleanings

Dental exams and cleanings usually take about an hour to complete. At our practice, we take every necessary step to make sure your teeth are well-examined and taken care of.
These steps include:

Dr. Wakefield will review your medical history to identify any medical conditions that may affect your oral health. Doing so, she can develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account any medical conditions or medications that may affect your oral health. In addition, the medical history review can also alert the dentist to any allergies or other medical conditions that may require special precautions during dental treatment. By understanding your medical history, Dr. Wakefield can provide you with the best possible care and help you maintain optimal oral health.
Oral cancer screening is a process used to detect early signs of oral cancer. During an oral cancer screening, a dental professional will examine the mouth, neck, and jaw for any signs of abnormal tissue growth or sores. The dentist will also check for any unusual bumps, lumps, or discoloration in the mouth. Regular oral cancer screenings can help detect oral cancer early on, when it is most treatable. It is especially important to get an oral cancer screening if you have any risk factors for oral cancer, such as a history of smoking or alcohol use.
X-rays are an important tool used in dental exams to detect oral health issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. X-rays can help the dentist identify cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, and other dental problems that may not be visible during a visual exam. In addition, x-rays can also help the dentist monitor the development of teeth in children and adolescents, and identify any potential issues early on. For example, x-rays can help Dr. Wakefield detect possible concerns with wisdom teeth before they cause problems.
Gum disease evaluation is a process used in dental exams to determine the health of your gums. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues and bones that support the teeth. It can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated. During a gum disease evaluation, Dr. Wakefield will examine your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or recession. She will also measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth using a special tool called a periodontal probe. Deeper pockets may indicate a more advanced stage of gum disease.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and other oral health issues. During a tooth decay evaluation, the dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay, such as discoloration, visible pits or holes, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and polish them to remove surface stains. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease, which can cause inflammation, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss if left untreated. During a dental cleaning, the dental professional will use special tools such as scalers and curettes to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They will also use an ultrasonic scaler to loosen and remove any stubborn deposits. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the dental professional will polish your teeth to remove any surface stains and leave them looking bright and healthy.
Teeth polishing can be done as part of a regular dental cleaning, or as a separate procedure to improve the appearance of the teeth. The result of teeth polishing is teeth that look brighter and smoother, with surface stains removed. In addition to improving the appearance of the teeth, teeth polishing can also help to remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular teeth polishing, along with good oral hygiene practices at home, is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health and keeping your teeth looking their best.

Who is Licensed to Perform Dental Exams & Cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings are performed by licensed dental professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists. At Darcy A Wakefield Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have a team of licensed dental professionals who are highly skilled and trained to provide comprehensive dental exams and thorough cleanings.

Dental patient receiving oral examination

Benefits of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

Preventing cavities and tooth decay
Regular cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to cavities and decay.
Preventing gum disease
Gum disease can cause inflammation, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease and keep your gums healthy.
Early detection of oral health issues
During a dental exam, the dentist can detect early signs of oral health issues such as oral cancer, cavities, and gum disease.
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile
Regular cleanings can remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking bright and healthy.
Improving overall health
Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

What to Expect During Dental Exams and Cleanings

During a dental exam and cleaning, you can expect to feel little to no discomfort. The dental hygienist will use special tools to clean your teeth, which may cause some pressure or vibration. If you feel any discomfort, let your dental professional know right away.

How to Prepare for Dental Exams and Cleanings

To prepare for a dental exam and cleaning, make sure to:

1. Brush and floss your teeth before your appointment.

2. Avoid eating or drinking anything that may stain your teeth, such as coffee or red wine.

3. Arrive on time for your appointment.

Laughing couple holding hands eating ice cream

Why Choose Darcy A Wakefield Family Dentistry & Orthodontics for Dental Exams &Cleanings?

At Darcy A Wakefield Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care. Our licensed professionals are highly skilled and trained to provide comprehensive dental exams and thorough cleanings.

In addition to that, our team takes advantage of state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. Plus, our friendly and welcoming staff will make you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your appointment.

ConTACT US

Visit our Cambridge Dental Office Today!

Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. At Darcy A Wakefield Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are here to provide you with the best possible care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning, or to learn more about our services. We look forward to helping you achieve a bright, healthy smile!
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