Dental Hygiene/Exams
At ONE Dental, our team emphasizes general and preventive dentistry treatments designed to maintain oral health and prevent dental problems from occurring. One of the most essential components in any preventive dental care routine is regular dental checkups and cleanings.
What Does a Dental Hygiene and Exam Appointment Include?
Prophylaxis (Professional Dental Cleaning)
Every routine dental examination begins with a professional cleaning with one of our dental hygienists. We typically pair our patients with a hygienist so that you can look forward to seeing the same person at every appointment and enjoy thorough continuity of care.
A dental cleaning includes scaling and polishing the patient’s teeth.
- Scaling involves using special cleaning tools that scrape off and remove accumulated plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth.
- To polish your teeth, our hygienist uses a special, gritty paste and rotating brush that spins along the surface of your teeth, removing plaque and surface-level stains.
Our hygienist then flosses your teeth, paying close attention to any areas of your gums that might bleed more easily than others and passing these observations along to the dentist. You are then provided with the opportunity to rinse.
Consultation and Examination
After your cleaning is complete, one of our dentists meets with you to examine your teeth and gums and talk with you about any new symptoms you might be experiencing or any ongoing oral health concerns you might have.
Dental X-Rays
If the dentist sees any signs of oral health problems, or if you are due for a routine set of dental X-rays, we take them at this time and then review them with you during your appointment.
Oral Cancer Screening
Each dental examination also includes an oral cancer screening during which the dentist checks your oral cavity and surrounding tissues for abnormalities that could be early signs of cancer.
Treatment Recommendations
If any signs of potential dental health issues are found, such as symptoms of periodontal disease or tooth decay, we then discuss your treatment options with you and walk you through the next steps for your dental care.
Patient Education: Caring for Your Teeth and Gums Between Appointments
We recommend that healthy adults who do not have any ongoing oral health problems visit the dentist at least once every six months. That leaves 363 days of the year when your oral hygiene and health are in your own hands.
During your dental exam, we provide you with personalized advice and instructions for what you should be doing every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments. This includes tips and tricks for proper brushing and flossing techniques, trouble areas you should pay extra-close attention to, and recommendations for dental care products you can be using at home to enhance your oral hygiene routine.
Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry Services With Our Miami Dentists
In addition to helping you maintain your oral health with routine dental cleanings and examinations, ONE Dental offers a comprehensive list of treatments designed to keep you healthy, happy, and smiling!
From professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants that keep your teeth strong to athletic mouthguards and nightguards that protect your teeth from injury and excessive wear and tear, we have everything you need to keep your smile bright and healthy.
To learn more or schedule your next dental appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.